Kanlaon Volcano had over 10,800 tons of sulfur dioxide flux —PHIVOLCS

Kanlaon Volcano emitted 10,880 tons of sulfur dioxide gas and logged 17 volcanic earthquakes on Thursday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Friday.

These are lower compared to the 11,556 tons of sulfur dioxide emissions and 79 volcanic earthquakes previously recorded.

In its bulletin, PHIVOLCS added that the volcano edifice remained inflated.

In an advisory on Wednesday night, PHIVOLCS said sulfuric fumes were reported in the following barangays:Barangay San Miguel in La Carlota City

• Barangay and Barangay Pula in Canlaon City
• Barangay Codcod in San Carlos City
• Barangay Inolingan in Moises Padilla

“Prolonged exposure to volcanic SO2, especially of communities within direct reach of accumulation from plumes during low wind conditions, can cause irritation of the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract,” PHIVOLCS warned.

“People who may be particularly sensitive are those with health conditions such as asthma, lung disease and heart disease, the elderly, pregnant women and children,” it added.

Due to this, PHIVOLCS advised affected residents to cover their mouth and nose with a damp clean cloth or dusk mask. 

PHIVOLCS chief Teresito Bacolcol earlier said Kanlaon Volcano may have an eruption following a series of volcanic earthquakes.

Some residents in affected barangays are advised to evacuate.

Alert Level 2 is maintained over Kanlaon Volcano, which means there is an increased unrest.

Under Alert Level 2, entry into the four-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and the flying of any aircraft close to the volcano are prohibited.

Kanlaon Volcano’s eruption last June 3 lasted six minutes and emitted plumes that rose to 5,000 meters. —VAL, GMA Integrated News