THE number of volcanic earthquakes at Mt. Kanlaon is dropping based on an update released by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) over the weekend.
Based on a 24-hour observation from June 27 to 28, Phivolcs recorded a total of 30 volcano-tectonic earthquakes on the western flanks of Kanlaon and one volcanic quake near the volcano's summit area.
Kanlaon continues to emit white steam-laden plumes rising 300 meters before drifting northwest.
The sulfur dioxide emission has also dropped to around 116 tonnes a day.
The volcano's southeastern flanks also recorded continuing deflation on the lower slopes but inflation on the mid slopes since April 2020, indicating hydrothermal or magmatic activity, is occurring beneath the edifice.
Phivolcs resident volcanologist Engineer Mari-Andylene Quintia, said during a 24-hour period last Friday to Saturday, they only recorded six volcano-tectonic earthquakes.
Quintia said the tremors were all aftershocks created by the magnitude 4.7 earthquake last Monday.
Even though the number of tremors is dropping, Quintia said they are continuing to monitor the volcano, as there is still possibility of a stronger earthquake that could occur.
Kanlaon has been on "Alert Level 1" since March of this year.