Kanlaon Volcano’s seismic monitoring network recorded three (3) volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. At 09:47 AM yesterday, a low-energy phreatic (steam-driven) eruption occurred and was recorded as an explosion-type earthquake that lasted approximately ten (10) minutes. The event ejected dark ash and voluminous steam 3-4 kilometers above the summit vent and was accompanied by rumbling sound heard as far away as La Castellana, Negros Occidental. Thin ashfall was experienced in Sitio Guintubdan, Brgy. Ara-al, La Carlota City, Brgy. Sag-ang, La Castellana and Brgy. Ilihan, Bago City, Negros Occidental. Degassing at the summit was observed to have began at 06:34 AM and was detectable as continuous low-energy tremor during periods when the summit was not visible. Ground deformation data from continuous GPS measurements indicate slight inflation of the edifice since December 2015.

Alert Level 2 status prevails over Kanlaon Volcano, which means that the volcano is undergoing a moderate level of unrest. There is probable intrusion of magma at depth which may or may not lead to a magmatic eruption. The local government units and the public are strictly reminded that entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited due to the further possibilities of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions. Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejecta from any sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Kanlaon Volcano’s activity and any new development will be relayed to all concerned.