Kanlaon Volcano shows 'increased chances' of eruptive activity —PHIVOLCS

Kanlaon Volcano has more chances of having an eruptive activity following the increased changes in its ground deformation, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Monday.

In its 7 a.m. advisory, PHIVOLCS said it has observed a pronounced increase in the inflation or swelling of the volcano's edifice for the past month.

“Considering that volcanic earthquake activity and elevated volcanic sulfur dioxide emission persists, the latest changes in ground deformation parameters could further indicate that magmatic intrusion beneath the edifice may be taking place, warning of increased chances of eruptive activity taking place,” it said.

An abrupt order of magnitude shortening of campaign Electronic Distance Meter lines was observed on the middle and lower southeastern slopes since June 18, according to PHIVOLCS.

The volcano has been undergoing slow but sustained inflation or swelling since 2022 which indicated a long-term pressurization within the volcano, it added.

Alert Level 2 is maintained over Kanlaon Volcano, which means “increasing unrest.”

PHIVOLCS said “there is current unrest driven by shallow magmatic processes that could eventually lead to explosive eruptions or even precede hazardous magmatic eruption at the summit crater.”

Due to this, PHIVOLCS advised the public to be vigilant and avoid entry into the four-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) due to possible hazards like pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, rockfall and others.

“In case of ash fall events that may affect communities downwind of Kanlaon's crater, people should cover their nose and mouth with a damp, clean cloth or dust mask,” it added.

Flying close to the volcano's summit is prohibited due to possible ash and ballistic fragments from sudden eruption, PHIVOLCS said.

“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,” it added.

On June 3, Kanlaon Volcano, which straddles Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, erupted and emitted 5,000-meter tall plumes, leading to the mandatory evacuation of affected residents. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA Integrated News