Degassing continues; Increased gas emissions logged at Kanlaon anew

Posted by watchmen
October 21, 2024
Posted in HEADLINE
Gas emissions from Kanlaon Volcano’s crater were observed on Saturday morning, October 19, 2024, which may signify that fine debris from fractured rock or magma beneath the crater may be released, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology says. (Norbert Gallosa photo)
Gas emissions from Kanlaon Volcano’s crater were observed on Saturday morning, October 19, 2024, which may signify that fine debris from fractured rock or magma beneath the crater may be released, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology says. (Norbert Gallosa photo)

Kanlaon Volcano continues to spew increased levels of sulfur dioxide over the weekend, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said yesterday.

Gas emissions from Kanlaon’s crater were observed on Saturday morning, October 19, which, Phivolcs said, may signify that fine debris from fractured rock or magma beneath the crater may be released.

Three volcanic emissions were observed at separate intervals, at 6:41 a.m., 7:01 a.m. and 8:01 a.m. on Saturday, and lasted two to six minutes each.

Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 2,769 tons per day, with the overall average reaching 4,133 tons per day following the June 3 eruption.

Phivolcs said light gray ash plumes rose 500 meters above the crater before drifting southwest.

Traces of volcanic ash were detected in Barangays Yubo and Ara-al in Negros Occidental’s La Carlota City, and La Castellana town’s Barangay Sag-ang.

Sulfurous fumes were also reported in Barangay Yubo.

However, the recent volcanic activities are normal, and usually happen in an active volcano, the agency noted.

The crater remained largely obscured due to cloud cover, Phivolcs said.

No seismic volcanic activities were detected.

Phivolcs continues to monitor the situation closely and urges residents living within Kanlaon’s four-kilometer permanent danger zone to heed advisories from authorities amid the unrest.

Residents, especially those in communities near the river systems on the southern and western slopes, are advised to stay vigilant and take precautions against lahars and mudflows triggered by heavy rainfall.

Local authorities also advise pilots to avoid flying near Kanlaon’s summit, as sudden explosions of ash could pose risks to aviation.

Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 2, indicating ongoing volcanic unrest.

Phivolcs said the volcano is still at risk of an eruption, with potential hazards, such as pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles and rockfall./WDJ

 

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