Kanlaon Volcano Shows Increased Activity with Ash Emissions and Earthquakes

Kanlaon Volcano, which spans Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental in the Philippines, experienced notable volcanic activity on Saturday, raising concerns among local authorities and residents.

Ash Emissions and Earthquake Activity Increase

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the volcano emitted ash twice on Saturday. Each event lasted between four to eight minutes, depositing a significant amount of volcanic material into the atmosphere.

PHIVOLCS documented 29 volcanic earthquakes on and around the volcano. Notably, one volcanic tremor occurred, stretching for eight minutes, indicating a heightened level of subsurface activity.

Emissions and Volcanic Plumes

Measurements taken during the volcanic events suggested that Kanlaon Volcano released 2,625 tonnes of sulfur dioxide. This gas is often an indicator of ongoing magma movement and volcanic unrest.

Volcanic plumes were observed rising up to 1,500 meters above the volcano’s crater. These plumes, likely forming due to continuous degassing, drifted west and west-northwest, potentially affecting nearby communities.

Volcanic Edifice Inflation and Ongoing Unrest

PHIVOLCS noted that the volcano’s edifice is currently inflated, suggesting increased magma pressure within the system. This observation is critical in understanding the volcano’s current state and predicting future behavior.

As a result of ongoing unrest and the potential hazards it presents, PHIVOLCS maintains Alert Level 3 (Intensified Unrest/Magmatic Unrest). At this level, the danger of sudden and explosive eruptions, along with other volcanic hazards, remains substantial.

Recommendations for Residents and Aviation

PHIVOLCS advises residents within a six-kilometer radius of the volcano’s summit to evacuate immediately to safety. This precautionary measure aims to protect human lives from potential hazards without delay.

Air traffic management is also a priority during volcanic unrest. Flying aircraft near Kanlaon Volcano is currently prohibited to minimize the risk of engine failure due to ash ingestion and other safety concerns.

Potential Hazards Posed by Kanlaon Volcano

Kanlaon Volcano, operating at Alert Level 3, poses several significant risks to nearby areas:

• Potential explosive eruptions can occur without warning, releasing large amounts of ash, lava, and toxic gases.
• Lava flows or effusions can endanger inhabited areas and infrastructure, necessitating rapid evacuation.
• Ashfall can cause respiratory issues, damage vegetation, and disrupt indoor and outdoor activities.
• Pyroclastic density currents refer to fast-moving clouds of hot ash, gas, and rocks that can devastate areas around the volcano.
• Rockfall from the volcano’s slopes presents a threat to nearby property and individuals in its path.
• Lahars (volcanic mudflows) can be triggered by heavy rains, posing a significant risk to communities living in river valleys downstream.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology continues to monitor the situation closely, providing regular updates through their official bulletin available here.

Conclusion

The recent volcanic activity from Kanlaon Volcano highlights the ongoing challenges of living alongside active volcanoes in the Philippines. While the current alert level underscores potential dangers, it also underscores the importance of community awareness and preparedness.

Residents and visitors in the area are advised to stay informed through official channels, follow safety guidelines, and be ready to act quickly in the event of an emergency.

For the latest updates on Kanlaon Volcano and other volcanic activities in the country, visit the PHIVOLCS website.

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