Kanlaon Volcano Continues Eruption, Alert Level Remains Elevated
The Philippines’ Kanlaon Volcano in the Visayas region has been experiencing continued activity, emitting ash multiple times on Friday according to the latest update from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
Multiple Ash Emissions Reported
PHIVOLCS reports that Kanlaon Volcano emitted ash seven times on Friday. Each of these ash emission events lasted anywhere from 12 to 100 minutes.
Eleven volcanic earthquakes were also detected on Friday. Among these were seven volcanic tremors that persisted for durations ranging from 17 to 100 minutes.
Sulfur Dioxide Emissions and Plume Activity
The volcanic activity wasn’t limited to ash and earthquakes. Kanlaon Volcano emitted a total of 3,994 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on Friday, a significant indicator of its ongoing unrest.
Moderate plumes of smoke rising to heights up to 150 meters were observed, signaling continued degassing. These plumes drifted in a southwestern direction.
Volcano Edifice Emains Inflated
The volcanic edifice of Kanlaon remains inflated. PHIVOLCS has maintained Alert Level 3 (Intensified Unrest/Magmatic Unrest) for the volcano, which straddles the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.
The alarming activity has led to specific safety advisories from PHIVOLCS:
- A six-kilometer exclusion zone around the volcano’s summit must be strictly adhered to.
- The airspace around the volcano should be kept clear for flying aircraft.
Potential Hazards to Be Anticipated
At Alert Level 3, Kanlaon Volcano may pose various hazards, including:
- Sudden explosive eruptions.
- Appearance of lava flows or effusions.
- Extended periods of ashfall.
- Pyroclastic density currents (PDC).
- Risk of rockfall.
- Lahars during periods of heavy rainfall.
Recent History and State of Calamity
Kanlaon Volcano erupted on December 9, leading PHIVOLCS to elevate the alert level from 2 to 3.
In response to the eruption, the province of Negros Oriental has declared a state of calamity to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.
Despite these challenges, authorities are committed to monitoring the situation closely and providing updates to the public to minimize the potential risks.
To stay informed about the current status and any changes, residents should regularly check PHIVOLCS’ official updates and advisories.
Stay alert andSafety first!
What You Can Do
If you are in the vicinity of Kanlaon Volcano, take precautions, ensure you are not in the exclusion zones, and stay informed through official channels.
If you wish to contribute to the safety efforts or community response, consider reaching out to local authorities or organizations involved in emergency preparedness.
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