Residents near Mt. Kanlaon warned as signs of possible phreatic eruptions detected

[ASEAN NOW News]

Mt. Kanlaon (file photo)

 

MANILA – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has cautioned residents living near Mt. Kanlaon in Negros and Mt. Bulusan in Sorgoson to be prepared as the two volcanoes are showing signs of “phreatic or steam-driven explosions.”

 

In a virtual public briefing, Phivolcs officer-in-charge Director Renato Solidum Jr. said they have monitored a concerning “tornillo type volcanic earthquake” event around Kanlaon in the past several days.

 

“It is a screw shape and it gives us a sense of concern because when we see it, there is a phreatic or steam-driven explosion. And the volcano is still swollen and we need to prepare for that,” Solidum said.

 

He, however, noted that the recent activity of Mt. Kanlaon is not related to its rising magma.

 

Phivolcs is also seeing possible steam-driven explosions over Mt. Bulusan, he added.

 

“Just like Mt. Kanlaon, we see that Bulusan Volcano could also have a steam-driven explosion and it is important to be careful,” Solidum said.

 

Solidum, meanwhile, said the volcanic activities of Kanlaon and Bulusan are not yet alarming, but reminded the residents to be ready and refrain from going close to the 4-kilometer permanent danger zones to prevent possible hazards.

 

“We don’t see any big explosive eruptions if ever, we only see small explosions because the signal is not very big and there is no rising magma so if ever, the explosion will only create steam or smoke. The ashes that it throws are only those recycled materials from the crater,” Solidum said.

 

The Kanlaon and Bulusan have maintained Alert Level 1 (abnormal) status.

 

Meanwhile, Solidum also urged the public to download and use Philvolc’s mobile application, HazardHunterPH, to map out any hazards in the country.

 

The application is used to generate assessment reports on the user’s location, featuring a summary of seismic, volcanic, and hydro-meteorological hazards, along with explanations and recommendations. (PNA)

 

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