By JEN BAYLON

As Kanlaon Volcano’s heightened unrest — marked by persistent ash emissions and elevated sulfur dioxide levels — continues, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said there is no reason to raise the alert level yet.

Alert Level 2 has been maintained over Kanlaon, signifying moderate volcanic unrest.

Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said Kanlaon’s gas emissions are beyond normal.

“We have to address it on a day-to-day basis to get the parameters,” Bacolcol said.

The volcano has been continuously emitting elevated gas concentrations, with a current average rate of 3,579 tons per day as of Monday, November 11.

Phivolcs said elevated sulfur dioxide levels from Kanlaon are often a key indicator of magma movement beneath the surface as gas-rich magma rises closer to the vent.

Two ashing events, each lasting four to 11 minutes, were also observed at Kanlaon, the agency said.

These ash plumes have reached heights of up to 600 meters, with continuous degassing observed and occasional ash drifting northward.

Such emissions can pose respiratory hazards to nearby communities, and may affect air quality, especially downwind of the volcano.

Phivolcs advised residents near Kanlaon to avoid entering the four-kilometer permanent danger zone due to risks of pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles and rockfalls.

They are encouraged to wear face masks as ash fall and sulfur dioxide could trigger lung diseases and could pose danger to those with comorbidities.

Those residing near rivers on Kanlaon’s slopes should remain alert for potential lahars or mudflows, particularly with the onset of heavy rainfall./JB, WDJ