Increased seismic activity at Kanlaon Volcano has been recorded within a 10-hour observation period, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025. 

A total of 81 volcano-tectonic, or VT earthquakes, has been recorded by the Kanlaon Volcano Network between 12 a.m. of October 16, 2025 and 10 a.m. on October 16, 2025. 

These events were generated at depths of from zero to six kilometers beneath the northwestern flanks of the volcanic edifice, PHIVOLCS said.

“VTs are generated by rock fracturing processes and the increase in VT activity strongly indicates progressive rock-fracturing beneath the volcano as rising magma or magmatic gas drives a path towards the surface. Volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emissions from the summit crater of Kanlaon based on campaign mDOAS measurements yesterday, 15 October 2025, averaged 1,879 tonnes/day, near the medium-term average of 1,830 tonnes/day since 1 January 2025. These parameters indicate that the blockage of volcanic gas emission (or closed-system degassing) may result in pressurization and swelling of the edifice potentially leading to moderately explosive eruption,” PHIVOLCS added.

Alert Level 2 prevails over Kanlaon, which means that the volcano is in a state of increased unrest.  

“The increase in VT events could lead to increased chances of steam-driven or phreatic eruptions or short-lived weak to moderately explosive eruptions occurring at the summit that could generate life-threatening volcanic hazards such as pyroclastic density currents or PDCs, ballistic projectiles, ashfall, rockfall and other. It is strongly recommended that communities within the 4-km Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ strictly remain evacuated and those within the 6-km radius from the summit crater be vigilant and ready in case unrest worsens,” PHIVOLCS reminded the public. 

In addition, increased vigilance against potential syn-eruption lahars and sediment-laden streamflows in channels draining the edifice is strongly advised should intense rains occur during eruptive unrest. 

Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from any sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft, PHIVOLCS said further.