Elevated volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas flux has been recorded at Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island, according to the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS)

Volcanic SO2 gas emission from the summit crater of Kanlaon 28 October 2024, averaged 10,074 tons per day, reads an advisory of DOST-PHIVOLCS issued at 10 p.m. on October 28, 2024.

“This is the 5th highest emission from the volcano recorded since instrumental gas monitoring began,” DOST-PHIVOLCS emphasized.

It was learned that Mount Kanlaon has been degassing increased concentrations of volcanic SO2 in 2024 at an average rate of 1,273 tons per day prior to the phreatic eruption on June 3, 2024, but emission since then has been particularly elevated at a current average of 4,210 tons per day. 

“Sulfuric fumes were reported in Barangay Masulog and Canlaon City proper and, to a lesser degree, in Barangays Panubigan and Binalbagan, Canlaon City,” the advisory said. 

DOST-PHIVOLCS has reminded the public that Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest) prevails over Kanlaon, but that current activity may lead to eruptive unrest and an increase in the Alert Level. 

“The public is strongly advised to be ready and vigilant, and to avoid entry into the four (4)-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) to minimize risks from volcanic hazards such as pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, rockfall, and others. In case of ash fall events that may affect communities downwind of Kanlaon’s crater, people should cover their nose and mouth with a damp, clean cloth or dust mask. Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash and ballistic fragments from sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft,” the advisory added.

“Communities living beside river systems on the southern and western slopes, especially those that have already experienced lahars and muddy streamflows, are advised to take precautionary measures when heavy rainfall over the volcano has been forecast or has begun,” the advisory further said.