Phivolcs: Kanlaon Volcano remains ‘abnormal’, 7 quakes recorded in 24 hours

CNN – Published Feb 14, 2021 3:01:18 PM

Metro Manila — The situation at the Kanlaon Volcano on Negros island remains “abnormal”, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has warned. The agency says there’s been an increase in volcanic activity in the 24 hours to Sunday morning.

In its bulletin issued Sunday morning, Phivolcs said it noted seven volcanic earthquakes in the vicinity during its 24-hour observation period—from 5 a.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Sunday, Mariton Bornas, chief of the volcano monitoring division, said in a mobile message.

The agency reminded people residing close to the area, which includes parts of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, to be vigilant since the volcano “has entered a period of unrest.”

“The local government units and the public are strongly reminded that entry into the 4-kilometer radius permanent danger zone must be strictly prohibited due to the further possibilities of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions,” it said.

Aviation authorities were also asked to advise pilots not to fly near the volcano’s summit amid fears of sudden phreatic eruption.

Science research specialist Charmaine Villamil of Phivolcs said phreatic eruption is a steam-driven eruption, which results from an interaction between the groundwater and a hot source like magma.

Phivolcs added that a slight inflation of the lower and mid slopes has been observed since June last year.

This “may indicate hydrothermal or magmatic processes occurring deep beneath the edifice,” it said.

Bornas explained all active volcanoes have magma chambers several kilometers beneath the edifice, and when there is a slight expansion in its size, “something is pushing it up.”

She said the swelling may be caused by a hydrothermal activity, or a pressurization due to hydrothermal steam.

SOURCE: https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/2/14/phivolcs-kanlaon-volcano-quakes-recorded.html?????