The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on Friday evening reported it has monitored elevated levels of volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions at Kanlaon Volcano.
In an advisory released by the seismic agency, Kanlaon emitted an average of 5,397 tons/day of SO2 from the summit crater, which was the highest emission recorded from the volcano since instrumental gas monitoring began.
PHIVOLCS also explained that Kanlaon has been degassing increased concentrations of volcanic SO2 this year at an average rate of 1,897 tons/day, but emission since the June 3 eruption has been particularly elevated at a current average of 3,175 tons/day.
In addition, volcanic earthquake activity has persisted at an average of 10 events/day since the eruption.
Ground deformation data from continuous GPS and electronic tilt measurements have been recording medium-term inflation of the Kanlaon edifice since March 2022 and a shorter-term inflation of the eastern flank since 2023, indicating slow but sustained pressurization within the volcano.
“The overall monitoring parameters indicate that magmatic processes beneath the volcano may be driving current unrest, causing persistently high concentrations of volcanic gas emission, swelling of the edifice and occasional volcanic earthquake activity,” the PHIVOLCS said.
PHIVOLCS also reminded the public that Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest) prevails over Kanlaon. “This means that there is current unrest driven by shallow magmatic processes that could eventually lead to explosive eruptions or even precede hazardous magmatic eruption at the summit crater.”
The public is also advised to be vigilant and 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.
“DOST-PHIVOLCS maintains close monitoring of Kanlaon Volcano and any new development will be immediately communicated to all concerned stakeholders,” the agency said.