Kanlaon spews ash

MANILA, Philippines — After showing increased seismic activity, Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island spewed ash yesterday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

State volcanologists said they observed gray ash bursting out of the crater following a degassing activity.

The ash emission lasted 19 minutes, from 7:20 a.m. to 7:39 a.m.

No seismic or infrasound signal  was detected during the ash emission, which generated light gray plumes that rose 800 meters above the crater and drifted west-northwest.

Up to 84 volcanic earthquakes have been recorded since Thursday, while sulfur dioxide emission was recorded at 5,866 tons, Phivolcs said.

Earlier, the agency warned of an eruptive unrest if the volcano’s increased seismic activity continues.

The quakes were generated by rock fracturing processes caused by magma rising to the surface.

Meanwhile, farming will be allowed within the four-kilometer-radius strict protection zone (SPZ) of Kanlaon, according to the protected area management board of the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park.

The board however, said habitation would not be allowed in the area due to possible hazards posed by the volcano’s activity.

The board’s decision complemented a resolution of the Western Visayas disaster risk reduction and management council, which recommended the declaration of the four-kilometer-radius danger zone as an SPZ.

Raul Fernandez, chief of the Office of Civil Defense in Western Visayas, said people would be encouraged to plant fruit-bearing trees for slope protection.

Phivolcs’ alert scheme for Kanlaon Volcano states that even in normal conditions, perennial hazards may occur without warning within the danger zone.

Fernandez said the local government of La Castellana has identified a relocation site for families living within the danger zone.