PHIVOLCS warns of Mt. Kanlaon's possible magmatic eruption

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is closely monitoring Kanlaon Volcano due to its continuous and elevated sulfur dioxide emission. 

According to Nico Waje’s report on “Saksi,” PHIVOLCS’s time-lapse footage showed that ash emissions were seen from 3:49 p.m. to 4:27 p.m. in Kanlaon Volcano. 

“Tayo po ay medyo mataas po ang alerto po natin sa Kanlaon, hindi po natin alam kung kailan at papano, ang magiging eventual na magmatic activity, pero batay sa mga sustained, wala pong patid at mataas na mga anomalous na mga parameters,” said Mariton Bornas, head of the Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division. 

(We are on high alert in Kanlaon, we do not know when and how, the eventual magmatic activity will be, but based on the sustained, without interruption and high anomalous parameters.) 

“Ito pong mga parameters na ito ay nagsasaad na meron pong napipintong magmatic eruption ang Kanlaon Volcano. Kung kailan at papaano, ito po ang kailangan nating bantayan,” she added. 

(These parameters indicate that the Kanlaon Volcano has an imminent magmatic eruption. As to when and how, this is what we need to watch out for.) 

The number of Volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes being recorded is also high. 

Meanwhile, Kanlaon Volcano remains at Alert Level 2. 

On Tuesday, the Taal Volcano in Batangas province had a minor phreatomagmatic eruption. 

At 05:58 a.m., Taal Volcano generated a 2800-meter grayish plume, PHIVOLCS said.

Alert Level 1 remained hoisted over the volcano despite this, meaning it has “low-level unrest.”

Two volcanic tremors that lasted four minutes long were also recorded at Taal Volcano.

It also emitted a moderate 600-meter-tall plume, which drifted southwest. On November 30, it also released 7,216 tonnes of sulfur dioxide flux.

Entry into Taal Volcano Island which is considered a permanent danger zone, as well as flying any aircraft close to the volcano are prohibited.

PHIVOLCS also warned that hazards such as steam-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas may occur.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News