PHIVOLCS: Kanlaon Volcano SO2 emission reached new record-high for 2024

The Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island on Wednesday emitted more than 6,700 tonnes of volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2), its second highest recorded gas emission this year so far.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said 6,720 tonnes/day of volcanic SO2 were monitored from the summit crater of Kanlaon in Negros Island — higher than the average rate of 3,247 tonnes/day.

Mt. Kanlaon has been releasing 1,273 tonnes/day of gas before its eruption on June 3, 2024.

Meanwhile, PHIVOLCS said SO2 fumes were reported in some barangays in La Carlota City and La Castellana.

“In addition, the Kanlaon Volcano Network recorded today a total of 15 volcano-tectonic earthquakes that were generated by rock fracturing 0 to 8 kilometers beneath the northwestern sector of the edifice,” said PHIVOLCS.

“The current monitoring parameters warn of shallow magmatic processes beneath the volcano are actively driving unrest, causing persistent and increasing concentrations of volcanic gas emission, persistent volcanic earthquake activity and swelling of the edifice,” it added.

Kanlaon Volcano is still under Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest).

Residents are advised to avoid entry into the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and to prepare for possible hazards such as steam-driven or phreatic eruptions, ash fall scenarios or lahar flows. —RF, GMA Integrated News