PHIVOLCS: Kanlaon Volcano releases over 7K tonnes of sulfur dioxide

The Kanlaon Volcano released a total of 7,594 tonnes of sulfur dioxide flux on Saturday, November 23, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Sunday.

PHIVOLCS’ latest bulletin also indicated that the volcano in Negros Island had two ash emission events that lasted from 4 to 8 minutes.

Kanlaon Volcano also emitted a “moderate” 50-meter tall plume, which drifted southwest.

PHIVOLCS earlier warned people against prolonged exposure to sulfur dioxide as the fumes can cause irritation of the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract.

Persons with health conditions such as asthma, lung disease, and heart disease, as well as the elderly, pregnant women, and children could also be particularly sensitive to the fumes.

There were three volcanic earthquakes also recorded at Kanlaon Volcano, whose edifice remained inflated. 

Alert Level 2 is currently raised over Mt. Kanlaon due to an “increased unrest” following its explosive eruption in June.

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

PHIVOLCS warned that the volcano may have sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions, as well as precursory magmatic activity. —Giselle Ombay/RF, GMA Integrated News