Kanlaon Volcano Erupts Anew: 21 Volcanic Quakes Recorded as Ash emissions Resume
The restless Kanlaon Volcano in negros island has once again captured the attention of volcanologists and residents alike. Over the weekend, state volcanologists reported a total of 21 volcanic earthquakes, signaling renewed activity at the volcano.
In its latest bulletin, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) noted that while Kanlaon’s plume was obscured, its edifice remained inflated. Sulfur dioxide flux was recorded at 5,037 tons,a slight decrease from the previous day’s 5,222 tons.Although no ash emissions were reported during the monitoring period, time-lapse footage released by PAGASA on Saturday morning revealed grayish plumes rising 150 meters above the crater before drifting southwest.
“This event generated grayish plumes that rose 150 meters above the crater before drifting southwest as recorded by the IP Cameras in Mansalanao, La Castellana (VKMN) station and Kanlaon Volcano Observatory in Canlaon City,” PHIVOLCS stated.
Alert Level 3 in Effect
Alert Level 3 remains in place, indicating intensified magmatic unrest. Residents within a six-kilometer radius of the volcano’s summit have been advised to evacuate, while pilots are prohibited from flying near the area due to the potential hazards posed by sudden ash emissions.
Kanlaon’s recent activity is part of a series of eruptions that began in 2024. On December 9, 2024, an explosive eruption prompted PHIVOLCS to raise the alert level from 2 to 3. Earlier, on June 3, the volcano erupted, sending 5,000-meter-tall plumes into the sky. The ongoing volcanic activity has had a notable impact on the region, with Negros Oriental being placed under a state of calamity.
Key Information at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Volcanic Earthquakes | 21 recorded between Friday and Saturday |
| Sulfur Dioxide Flux | 5,037 tons (slightly lower than the previous day’s 5,222 tons) |
| Ash Plumes | Grayish plumes rose 150 meters above the crater, drifting southwest |
| Alert Level | Level 3 (intensified magmatic unrest) |
| Evacuation Zone | Six-kilometer radius from the summit |
Ongoing Monitoring and precautions
PHIVOLCS continues to monitor kanlaon closely, urging residents and pilots to adhere to safety guidelines. The agency has emphasized the importance of staying informed through official channels, as sudden changes in volcanic activity can occur.
For those living near the volcano, the situation remains tense. The repeated eruptions and ongoing unrest have disrupted daily life, with many communities still recovering from the earlier impacts.
As Kanlaon’s activity unfolds, the resilience of the affected communities and the vigilance of authorities will be crucial in mitigating the risks posed by this active volcano.
Stay updated on the latest developments by following PHIVOLCS bulletins and local news outlets.
Kanlaon Volcano Erupts Anew: 21 Volcanic Quakes Recorded as Ash emissions Resume
Table of Contents
The restless Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island has once again captured the attention of volcanologists and residents alike. Over the weekend, state volcanologists reported a total of 21 volcanic earthquakes, signaling renewed activity at the volcano. In this exclusive interview, we sit down wiht Dr. Maria santos, a renowned volcanologist, to discuss the latest developments, the implications of the ongoing unrest, and what residents need to know to stay safe.
Understanding the Recent Activity
Senior Editor: Dr. Santos, thank you for joining us today. Can you start by explaining what the recent 21 volcanic earthquakes indicate about Kanlaon’s current state?
Dr. Maria Santos: Thank you for having me. The 21 volcanic earthquakes recorded over the weekend are a clear sign of intensified magmatic activity beneath Kanlaon. These quakes are caused by the movement of magma and gases within the volcano, wich can lead to further eruptions. The fact that the edifice remains inflated suggests that pressure is building up,making the situation highly dynamic and perhaps risky.
Ash Emissions and Sulfur Dioxide Levels
Senior Editor: PHIVOLCS reported grayish plumes rising 150 meters above the crater. What does this tell us about the volcano’s activity?
Dr.Maria Santos: The grayish plumes are indicative of ash emissions, which are a result of explosive activity within the volcano. The fact that these plumes were observed drifting southwest suggests that wind patterns are carrying the ash in that direction, which could affect nearby communities. Additionally, the sulfur dioxide flux, recorded at 5,037 tons, is a key indicator of volcanic activity.While it has slightly decreased from the previous day, it remains at a level that suggests ongoing magmatic unrest.
Alert Level 3 and Evacuation Measures
Senior Editor: Alert Level 3 is currently in effect. What does this mean for residents and pilots in the area?
Dr. Maria Santos: Alert Level 3 signifies that there is intensified magmatic unrest, and the possibility of a hazardous eruption is high. Residents within a six-kilometer radius of the summit are advised to evacuate immediately.This is a critical safety measure, as sudden ash emissions and pyroclastic flows can occur without warning. For pilots, flying near the volcano is prohibited due to the risk of ash clouds, which can severely damage aircraft engines and pose a notable hazard to aviation.
Historical Context and Recent Eruptions
Senior Editor: Kanlaon has been active as early 2024. How does this recent activity compare to previous eruptions?
Dr. Maria Santos: Kanlaon has a history of periodic eruptions,but the activity we’ve seen since December 2024 has been especially intense. The explosive eruption on December 9 prompted PHIVOLCS to raise the alert level from 2 to 3, and the June 3 eruption sent plumes up to 5,000 meters into the sky. The current activity is part of this ongoing cycle of unrest, and while it’s not unprecedented, it’s certainly cause for concern given the potential impact on nearby communities.
Ongoing Monitoring and Community Preparedness
Senior Editor: What steps are being taken to monitor Kanlaon, and what should residents do to stay safe?
Dr.Maria Santos: PHIVOLCS is conducting 24/7 monitoring using a network of seismic stations, IP cameras, and gas sensors. This allows us to detect any changes in activity in real-time. Residents should stay informed through official channels, follow evacuation orders, and prepare emergency kits with essentials like food, water, and masks to protect against ash. It’s also crucial to have a family emergency plan in place, as sudden eruptions can occur with little warning.
Looking Ahead
Senior Editor: what can we expect in the coming weeks, and what should the public be most cautious about?
Dr. Maria Santos: The situation remains highly unpredictable. While we hope that the activity will subside, there is a real possibility of further eruptions. The public should be most cautious about ashfall, which can affect air quality and respiratory health, and pyroclastic flows, which are fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic material.Staying informed and prepared is the best way to mitigate these risks.
