Phivolcs: Kanlaon spewing more sulfur dioxide

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) yesterday reported an elevated volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emission from the summit crater of Kanlaon Volcano after it averaged 4,397 tons per day.

Last Saturday’s emission was the highest this year and the second highest land-based measurement for Kanlaon, according to state volcanologists.

“The volcano has been degassing increased concentrations of volcanic SO2 this year at an average rate of 1,458 tons per day, but emission since the June 3, 2024 eruption has been particularly elevated at a current average of 3,347 tons per day,” Phivolcs said.

It added that volcanic earthquake has persisted at an average of 33 events per day since the eruption. Phivolcs noted that medium-term inflation of the Kanlaon edifice has been recorded since March 2022 and a shorter-term inflation of the eastern flank since last year, indicating slow pressurization within the volcano.

“The overall monitoring parameters indicate that degassing of magma may be driving current unrest, causing increased volcanic gas emission, swelling of the edifice and occasional volcanic earthquake activity,” the state agency said.

Phivolcs reminded the public that Alert Level 2 prevails over Kanlaon.

“This means that there is current unrest driven by shallow magmatic processes that could eventually lead to explosive eruptions at the summit crater.

The public is strongly advised to be vigilant and avoid the four kilometer-radius permanent danger zone to minimize risks from volcanic hazards such as pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, rockfall and others,” the agency added.

Phivolcs advised the public that in case of ashfall events that may affect communities downwind of Kanlaon’s crater, people should cover their nose and mouth with a damp, clean cloth or dust mask.

“Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash and ballistic fragments from sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft. Communities living beside river systems on the southern and western slopes, especially those that have already experienced lahars and muddy streamflows, are advised to take precautionary measures when heavy rainfall over the volcano has been forecast or has begun,” Phivolcs said.

P104.8 M agriculture damage

Meanwhile, damage to the agriculture sector in Negros due to Kanlaon’s eruption has reached P104.8 million, affecting 842 hectares of plantations and with volume of production loss of 3,947 metrictons (MT), according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Based on the latest data from the DA’s Operations Center, at least 1,706 farmers and fisherfolk were affected by Kanlaon’s restiveness amid the ashfall and lahar flows.

The DA added that the bulk of the damage was recorded in high-value crops at P101.2 million covering 817 hectares and with a volume of production loss of 3,891 MT.

Damage to livestock and poultry was P2.17 million affecting 118 animals, including cattle, carabao, goat, horse and swine; palay farms reached P1.37 million, covering 21 hectares and with volume of production loss 57 MT; and corn, P122,250, affecting five hectares.

“Best possible efforts are being undertaken to carry out assistance and appropriate interventions to the affected farmers and fisherfolk. Department offices in Western and Central Visayas will provide agricultural inputs,” the DA said.

The agency also gave assurance of the distribution of seeds, planting materials and bio-control measures to affected farmers and fisherfolk.

Affected farmers and fisherfolk can avail themselves of the P25,000 loan under the Survival and Recovery Loan Program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council, according to the DA.

The agency noted that the provincial government of Negros Oriental has initially identified two evacuation centers in Barangays Panubigan and Linothangan for displaced animals.