Kanlaon Volcano emits 1,000-meter tall plume

A “voluminous” 1,000-meter tall plume with intermittent ash was released by Kanlaon Volcano, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Sunday.

Based on PHIVOLCS’ 8 a.m. bulletin, it was shown that the plume drifted southwest.

Kanlaon Volcano, which is located in Negros Island, also emitted 3,927 tonnes of sulfur dioxide flux on Saturday, November 9.

Eleven volcanic earthquakes were also recorded, while the volcano’s edifice remained inflated.

On Saturday morning, PHIVOLCS observed Kanlaon Volcano to be degassing and emitting volcanic ash.

Kanlaon Volcano has been observed to be degassing since October 19, and occasionally has weak ash emission from its summit crater.

Ash samples from the emissions on October 19, November 2 and November 5 were subjected to microscopic examination and these showed that the ash were composed mainly of pulverized old rock within the edifice and not of material from new magma.

Alert Level 2 is currently raised at Kanlaon Volcano due to an “increased unrest” following its explosive eruption on June 3.

Entry into the volcano’s 4-kilometer radius permanent danger zone, and flying any aircraft close to it are prohibited.

Sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions may also occur. —Giselle Ombay/KG, GMA Integrated News