Elevated volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas flux has been reported at Kanlaon Volcano.
Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) issued an advisory on increased volcanic SO2 at around 7 p.m. on September 10, 2024.
“Volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emission from the summit crater of Kanlaon based on campaign Flyspec measurements [on] 10 September 2024, averaged 9,985 tons/day,” DOST-PHIVOLCS said, adding that this is the highest emission from the volcano recorded since instrumental gas monitoring began.
“Kanlaon has been degassing increased concentrations of volcanic SO2 this year at an average rate of 1,273 tons/day prior to the 3 June 2024 eruption, but emission since then has been particularly elevated at a current average of 3,468 tons/day,” it added.
Sulfuric odors were reported in Barangay Ilijan, Bago City; Barangay Ara-al and Barangay San Miguel in La Carlota City; Barangay Masulog, Barangay Linothangan and Barangay Pula, Canlaon City.
“The public is reminded that Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest) prevails over Kanlaon, but that current activity may lead to eruptive unrest and an increase in the Alert Level. The public is strongly advised to be ready and vigilant, and to avoid entry into the four (4) kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) to minimize risks from volcanic hazards such as pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, rockfall and others. In case of ash fall 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,” DOST-PHIVOLCS further said in the advisory.
DOST-PHIVOLCS assures it maintains close monitoring of Kanlaon Volcano and that any new development will be immediately communicated to all concerned stakeholders.