The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded on Friday four volcanic earthquakes at Kanlaon Volcano, as it continues in heightened activity under Alert Level 3.
In its latest bulletin, PHIVOLCS stated that the volcano emitted 5,324 tonnes of sulfur dioxide over a 24-hour period from midnight Friday to midnight Saturday, indicating ongoing degassing. Thick steam-laden plumes rose as high as 900 meters over the crater and drifted towards the southern and southeastern areas.
PHIVOLCS further observed that the volcano’s edifice remains swollen, indicating that magmatic activity continues beneath.
Alert Level 3 is maintained, meaning “intensified unrest or magmatic unrest.” Authorities are continuously enforcing the evacuation of areas within a six-kilometre radius of the volcano’s summit due to the threats posed by sudden explosive eruptions, lava flows, ashfall, pyroclastic density currents, rockfalls, and rain-induced lahars.
Residents are also being warned to remain vigilant following reports of “cohesive and cement-like” lahars after moderate to heavy rainfall was observed on Friday. Social media and local officials reported observed mudflows along the Buhangin River and beneath the (Hacienda 92) bridge in Barangay Sag-ang, as well as in Ibid Creek in Barangay Biak-na-Bato in La Castellana, Negros Occidental.
PHIVOLCS warned that additional lahars and muddy streamflows could be triggered by continued Southwest Monsoon rainfall, especially in areas previously affected by volcanic sediment deposits.
The agency also mentioned that flying near the volcano summit could pose a threat due to ash and volcanic emissions.
