Height of magma at Kanlaon Volcano now 5 kilometers from its crater

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said that the magma accumulation of Kanlaon volcano is now five kilometers near its crater.

Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, PHIVOLCS director, said on Monday that based on their monitoring there is continuous rise of magma towards the volcano’s crater.

As the magma nears its crater, it becomes swollen, an indication that magma is accumulating near the crater, Bacolcol pointed out.

He said that for the past two days there were no ash emissions, thus heightened vigilance is on, saying that the conduit of the volcano may have been blocked.

Bacolcol said this was also the situation before a minor explosive eruption last February 6.

The volcano’s eastern side also continues to swell, sign that magma continues to rise.

He called on the public to remain vigilant. Kanlaon still at Alert Level 3.*