Kanlaon Volcano in the Negros Island Region was observed to have an elevated sulfur dioxide gas flux in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said in its bulletin yesterday.

The volcano emitted 4,839 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on Saturday, August 10, it added.

This is the third-highest volume of sulfur dioxide emitted this year, according to a report on GMA Integrated News Bulletin.

Kanlaon Volcano also had 20 volcanic earthquakes.

Moderate plumes rising up to 500 meters tall were also observed and these drifted northward.

Alert Level 2 (increased unrest) remains in effect at Kanlaon, Phivolcs said.

It reiterated that entry into the volcano’s four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone is not allowed.

Likewise, flying aircraft close to the volcano is prohibited.

Phivolcs said sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions may occur.

On June 3, after almost seven years of relative inactivity, Kanlaon Volcano erupted, emitting plumes as high as 5,000 meters.

Phivolcs then raised Alert Level 2 due to the volcano’s increasing unrest. (GMA Integrated News)