Phivolcs raises eruption alert as Kanlaon Volcano shows unrest

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 11) ⁠— Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Oriental started showing unrest on Wednesday, prompting state volcanologists to raise the threat alert level.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the alert status over Kanlaon from Alert Level 0 to Alert Level 1 after showing "abnormal condition."

It said 80 volcanic earthquakes were recorded since March 9, including 77 low-frequency tremors associated with magma movement. The increase in Kanlaon Volcano's activity may be succeeded by sudden and hazardous steam-driven eruptions, it added.

"These parameters indicate that volcanic process are underway deep beneath the edifice that may be caused by deep-seated degassing or hydrothermal activity or magmatic intrusion," Phivolcs said in an advisory.

State volcanologists advised the public that entry into the four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone is prohibited. Civil aviation authorities were also asked to advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejects from any sudden steam-driven eruption can be hazardous to aircraft.

Kanlaon Volcano last erupted in June 2016. It spewed ash of about 1,312 ft (400 m) to the sky. Ash fall was experienced in several barangays in Negros Occidental after the steam-driven eruption.