2 ash emission events logged at Kanlaon Volcano

The Kanlaon Volcano, which is currently under Alert Level 3, has continued emitting ash and is being rocked by several earthquakes, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Sunday.

From Saturday midnight to Sunday midnight, two ash emission events were recorded at Kanlaon Volcano, which lasted 12 to 13 minutes long.

Twelve volcanic earthquakes were also monitored, including a five-minute volcanic tremor.

The volcano, which straddles the provinces of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental, also released 2,302 tonnes per day of sulfur dioxide flux, as well as a moderate 150-meter tall plume that drifted southwest. Its edifice also remained inflated.

Kanlaon Volcano had an explosive eruption on December 9, 2024, prompting PHIVOLCS to raise its status from Alert Level 2 to 3. Under Alert Level 3, there is an intensified unrest or magmatic unrest being observed.

State volcanologists have since then recommended evacuation of residents from the six-kilometer radius from the volcano’s summit. Flying any aircraft close to the volcano is also prohibited.

Possible hazards that may occur include sudden explosive eruption, lava flow or effusion, ashfall, pyroclastic density current, rockfall, and lahars during heavy rains. —Giselle Ombay/KG, GMA Integrated News