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Philippines

NDRRMC Update: SitRep No. 04 re Preparedness Measures for Kanlaon Volcano, 15 December 2017

Attachments

I. SITUATION OVERVIEW

On 15 November 2017, Kanlaon Volcano's seismic monitoring network recorded two hundred seventy nine deep (279) volcanic earthquakes. Since 18 August 2017, the number of volcanic earthquakes detected per day has continued to increase. There has been no visible degassing or steaming from the active vent this year, although increased unrest could possibly develop into steam-driven or phreatic eruptions at the summit.

Alert Level 2 status prevails over Kanlaon Volcano, which means that the volcano is undergoing a moderate level of unrest. There is probable intrusion of magma at depth which may or may not lead to a magmatic eruption.

On 16 November 2017, 217 volcanic earthquakes were recorded. No degassing activity was observed during times when the summit crater was visible.

On 17 November 2017, ten (10) volcanic earthquakes were recorded for the past 24 hours.

On 18 November 2017, twenty-four (24) volcanic earthquakes were recorded for the past 24 hours.

On 23 November 2017, ten (10) volcanic earthquakes were recorded for the past 24 hours.

On 27 November 2017, nineteen (19) volcanic earthquakes were recorded for the past 24 hours.

On 09 December 2017, a low-energy phreatic (steam-driven) eruption was generated at 09:47 AM. The eruption lasted approximately ten (10) minutes based on the seismic record. The event ejected steam and dark ash but was poorly observed due to clouds covering the summit region. A rumbling sound was reportedly heard in Brgy. Manghanoy, La Castellana and ash fell on Sitio Guintubdan, Brgy, Ara-al, La Carlota City.

As of 8:00 AM, 14 December 2017, Kanlaon Volcano's seismic monitoring network recorded one thousand and seven (1,001) volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. Moderate emission of white steam-laden plumes that rose to 300 meters before drifting southwest was observed. Ground deformation data and continuous GPS measurements indicate slight inflation of the edifice since December 2015. Sulfur Dioxide (S02) emission was measured at an average of 687 tonnesiday on 13 December 2017.

Alert Level 2 status prevails over Kanlaon Volcano, which means that the volcano is undergoing a moderate level of unrest.