01 September 2009

9:00 A.M.

This is to notify the public and concerned authorities on the ongoing seismic activity at Kanlaon Volcano.

Kanlaon Volcano (10⁰ 24.7’N, 123⁰ 7.9’E) manifested a remarkable rise in its seismic activity as a total of two hundred fifty seven (257) volcanic earthquakes were detected by the seismic network from August 23 to present. This seismic activity is notably higher than the usual levels, which generally varies from 0 to 4 events detected in 24 hours during quiet periods.  Two (2) of these quakes occurred at 5:26 PM on August 23, 2009 and was felt at Intensity II in Barangay Ara-al, La Carlota City and at 10:27 PM on August 30, 2009 felt at Intensity III in La Castellana and Intensity IV in La Carlotta City and Bago City. Epicenters of the recorded quakes clustered at the north-west slope of the volcano. The occurrences of these earthquakes may indicate movements of an active local fault at the slope of the volcano which may be induced by pressure beneath the volcano.

Surface observations, however, did not indicate significant change in the steam emission from the crater.

The current status of Kanlaon Volcano is maintained at Alert Level 0.  If the prevailing elevated level of seismic activity continues together with other monitored parameters, the Alert level status of the volcano will be raised accordingly. Since Kanlaon Volcano has a history of sudden steam-driven explosions without precursors, the public is reminded to refrain from entering the four (4) kilometers Permanent Danger Zone ( PDZ). People planning to climb the volcano are also advised to coordinate with our Kanlaon Volcano Observatory, La Carlota City College , Cubay, Negros Occidental  or the Head Office in Quezon City for the latest observed volcanic activity.