The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology’s (PHIVOLCS) seismic network monitored an increased seismic activity at the volcano over the past ten days.
87 earthquakes in total were recorded on 14 October, of which 29 were volcano-tectonic in origin associated with rock fracturing generating the elevated seismic energy. Quakes were located beneath the southern and western sector of the edifice at 1-8 km depth.
Weak-to-moderate sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions reached to a 241 tonnes on 19 October. A significant increase of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have been measured during June – August. A volcanic gas reaching the shallow hydrothermal system may lead to sudden, violent steam-driven (so-called phreatic) eruption.
Since February 2023, the southern flank continues to be inflated.
People are advised to avoid the area of about 4 km distance from the summit crater.
The alert level for the volcano remains at Normal.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology volcano activity update 23 October 2023