Tuesday, February 19, 2008 Phivolcs monitors abnormality of Kanlaon volcano By Victor L. Camion
THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs) in Canlaon City has monitored the increasing abnormality of Kanlaon volcano.
Ben Tanatan, Philvolcs Kanlaon Volcano Observatory officer based in Canlaon City, told Sun.Star that three volcanic quakes are recorded within last 24 hours.
Continues eruption of clouds and fogs were also monitored.
Contrary to reports that Philvolcs has lifted the alert status on Kanlaon volcano as its activity has returned to normal, Tanatan said it is slightly elevated unrest that could possibly lead to steam ash ejections.
For this, the public is strongly advised against entering the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone because sudden phreatic explosions could occur anytime.
Phreatic explosion is a volcanic eruption or explosion of steam, mud, or other material that is not incandescent.
Tanatan said this (phreatic explosion) is caused by the heating and consequent expansion of ground water due to an underlying igneous heat source.
Tanatan, however, clarified that there is still no recommendation for possible evacuation of residents outside the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone.
Visitors, on the other hand, are advised to coordinate first with the Philvolcs Kanlaon Volcano Observatory in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, or the Philvolcs head office in Quezon City.
