BACOLOD City – An earthquake rattled several areas in Negros Occidental early morning of September 14, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Phivolcs recorded a magnitude 4.7 quake at 5:30 a.m., with its epicenter located 15 kilometers northeast of La Castellana. The tremor was felt at Intensity IV in La Carlota City, Intensity III in Bacolod City, and Intensity II in Bago City.
Shortly after, two minor tectonic quakes were also logged: a magnitude 1.3 quake in Salvador Benedicto at 5:48 a.m. and a magnitude 1.4 quake in Murcia at 6:06 a.m.
Phivolcs reported no expected damage or aftershocks from these events.
Later that morning, at 10:30 a.m., Phivolcs issued a Kanlaon Volcano Advisory, reminding the public that the volcano remains under Alert Level 2, which signifies a state of increased unrest.
The agency warned that the rise in volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes may heighten the chances of steam-driven or phreatic eruptions, or short-lived weak to moderately explosive eruptions at the summit. Such activity could produce life-threatening hazards, including pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), ballistic projectiles, ashfall, and rockfalls.
Phivolcs strongly advised communities within the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) to stay evacuated, and those within a 6-kilometer radius from the summit to remain alert in case unrest escalates.
It also cautioned against possible lahars and sediment-laden streamflows in channels draining the volcano, especially during heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, civil aviation authorities were urged to advise pilots to avoid flying near Kanlaon’s summit, as ash from sudden eruptions could pose hazards to aircraft./PN
