Kanlaon logs elevated gas emission, 3rd highest this year

MANILA, Philippines — Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island spewed up to 6,367 tons of sulfur dioxide gas in the past 24 hours, the third highest emission recorded this year, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Phivolcs yesterday said residents of several barangays in Murcia, Negros Occidental smelled fumes as the volcano emitted gas on Saturday.

“Kanlaon has been degassing increased concentrations of volcanic sulfur dioxide this year at an average rate of 1,273 tons per day before it erupted on June 3. The emission has since been elevated at a current average of 3,295 tons per day,” state volcanologists said.

A strong degassing activity from the summit crater generated voluminous steam-rich plumes that rose 700 meters.

“Volcanic earthquake activity persists at an average of nine events per day since the eruption,” Phivolcs said.

The agency also recorded a sustained swelling and pressurization of the volcano’s edifice since March 2022, with increased inflation of the eastern and southeastern flanks beginning in 2023 and July 2024, respectively.

“Current monitoring parameters warn of ongoing shallow magmatic processes beneath the volcano. This actively drives unrest and causes persistent and increasing concentrations of volcanic gas emissions, volcanic earthquake activity and swelling of the edifice,” it said.

Alert level 2 or increasing unrest remains hoisted over Kanlaon.

The public has been advised to remain vigilant and avoid entry into the four-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone to minimize risks from volcanic hazards.

In case of ash fall, residents should cover their nose and mouth with a damp, clean cloth or dust mask.

Flying of aircraft near the volcano’s summit is not allowed as ash and ballistic fragments from sudden eruption can be hazardous.