THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported a further increase in sulfur dioxide emitted by Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island.
In a bulletin, Phivolcs also reported a significant decrease in volcanic earthquakes on Wednesday, compared to the previous day.
Phivolcs said the volcano’s sulfur dioxide emission on Wednesday was measured at 11,556 tons, up from 9,985 tons on Tuesday, and 2,794 tons on Monday.
It said there were 79 volcanic earthquakes recorded on Wednesday, down from 337 last Tuesday. There were 37 volcanic earthquakes recorded last Monday, Phivolcs said.
Gas emission and volcanic quakes are two of the parameters used by Phivolcs in determining the extent of the volcano’s unrest.
On Wednesday, a Phivolcs official said there is high probability of magmatic eruption, noting the recent activities of the volcano.
In the bulletin yesterday, Phivolcs said the volcano’s edifice remained inflated.
Kanlaon Volcano is under Alert Level 2, meaning there is a danger of sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions.
Canlaon City Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas said 273 persons have been evacuated from the four-kilometer permanent danger zone as of yesterday.
The city ordered a mandatory evacuation of residents inside the permanent danger zone last Tuesday due to threat of a possible eruption.
Cardenas said face-to-face classes remain suspended. He said school officials have shifted to “modular system of learning.”
