Phivolcs: Alert level 1 for Kanlaon Volcano in Negros

They stayed at the crater for 30 minutes and left the area, he said.

Pinoso disclosed they called off the rescue operations after they were informed that Hodson and her guide were found “safe” and were due to arrive in a village in the town of La Carlota on Wednesday afternoon.

Solidum also explained that minor tremors occurring from Mount Kanlaon indicate “continuous movement on the volcano and most likely it is related to the steam that is actually moving near the shallow part of the volcano near the crater”.

Kanlaon Volcano, among the country’s most active, spewed out steam and an ash plume on Monday night, causing Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to raise the level 1 alert. “You’ve got fantastic natural resources, ” said Hodson, who is an economist who has also climbed the Himalayas.

Alert Level 1 means that a volcano is at an abnormal condition and has entered a period of unrest.

Phivolcs said that only 4 volcanic earthquakes had been recorded during the past week by the Kanlaon network, but after the explosion, the network recorded volcanic tremor that lasted for 5 hours.

Civil aviation authorities advised pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit, as a sudden eruption might endanger aircraft.

The Canlaon City Government also held an emergency preparedness meeting on Wednesday and conducted information campaign among its residents to be prepared for a worst-case scenario, said Mayor Jimmy Clerigo in a television interview.

Discussed were evacuation procedures, safe refuge in case of an event, contingency plans of LGUs, and logistical support needed, he said.

Tribunalo said that they are coordinating with Phivolcs for the latest updates over the volcanic activity in Kanlaon.

Tribunalo added that even if a major eruption occured in Negros, there will be enough time for town in Cebu to evacuate to safety areas away from ash fall considering the volcano is located several kilometers away.