The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported elevated sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from Kanlaon Volcano — the highest since instrumental gas monitoring began in 2010.
Kanlaon emitted gas flux reaching 7,307 tons from its crater on Tuesday, August 13.
“This is the highest emission from the volcano recorded since instrumental gas monitoring began,” a Phivolcs report said.
Phivolcs said Kanlaon has been degassing higher concentrations of volcanic SO2, at an average rate of 1,273 tons per day before its phreatic eruption last June 3.
Emissions have been particularly elevated, at an average of 3,102 tons per day.
Since then, volcanic quakes have persisted, averaging nine events per day.
Phivolcs also observed swelling of the Kanlaon edifice, with increased inflation of its eastern and southeastern flanks, based on its real-time ground deformation data through the Global Positioning System.
The swelling indicates slow but sustained pressurization within the Kanlaon, the report said.
The unrest, driven by shallow magmatic processes, could eventually lead to explosive eruptions or even precede a hazardous magmatic eruption at Kanlaon’s crater, Phivolcs said.
It added that if the unrest is driven by the rising magma, it could generate volcanic hazards, such as lava flows and pyroclastic density currents, that would endanger nearby communities.
The monitoring parameters warn of shallow magmatic processes beneath the volcano, which caused increasing concentrations of volcanic gas emissions, swelling of the edifice, and persistent volcanic earthquakes, it added.
Phivolcs advised communities within Kanlaon Volcano’s four-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) to remain vigilant for any possible escalation in volcanic activities.
Residents living outside the PDZ are also reminded to be prepared in case Kanlaon’s unrest increases, which could extend the danger zone.
The public is urged to avoid entering the PDZ to minimize risks from volcanic hazards, such as pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, rockfall, and others./WDJ