By JEN BAYLON

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has maintained Alert Level 2 at Kanlaon Volcano amid elevated sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions.

Phivolcs’ latest bulletin reported the SO2 flux averaging 10,074 tons was recorded on Monday, October 28.

This level of gas output, much higher than usual, indicates ongoing unrest within the volcano’s system.

“This is the fifth highest emission from the volcano recorded since instrumental gas monitoring began,” Phivolcs said in an advisory.

Kanlaon has been degassing increased concentrations of volcanic SO2 at an average rate of 1,273 tons per day, before its phreatic eruption on June 3 of this year.

However, Phivolcs said gas emissions have been elevated at a current average of 4,210 tons per day.

“Sulfuric fumes were reported in Barangay Masulog and Canlaon City proper and, to a lesser degree, in Barangays Panubigan and Binalbagan, Canlaon City,” its advisory said.

Two volcanic earthquakes were also detected within the monitoring period.

The summit remains obscured by clouds, limiting visual observation, but ground deformation data suggests swelling, which may indicate magmatic activity beneath the surface.

Phivolcs said Alert Level 2, or increasing unrest status, prevails over Kanlaon, but volcanic activities may lead to eruptive unrest and an increase in alert level.

The unrest could potentially lead to phreatic explosions or steam-driven eruptions, it added.

Phivolcs continues to monitor Kanlaon closely and advises communities within the four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) to stay informed and prepared for possible heightened unrest.

“The public is strongly advised to be ready and vigilant, and to avoid entry into the PDZ to minimize risks from volcanic hazards, such as pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, rockfall, and others,” Phivolcs said.

In case of ash fall events that may affect communities downwind of Kanlaon’s crater, residents should cover their nose and mouth with a damp, clean cloth or dust mask.

“Communities living beside river systems on the southern and western slopes, especially those that have already experienced lahars and muddy streamflows, are advised to take precautionary measures when heavy rainfall over the volcano has been forecast or has begun,” the advisory further said.

Phivolcs advised pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash and ballistic fragments from a sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft./JB, WDJ