• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned of the possibility of an eventual magmatic eruption of the Kanlaon Volcano, which has been in a state of long term unrest since 2010.
Ma. Antonia Bornas, Chief of the Volcano and Eruption Prediction Division, explained that Kanlaon Volcano has been exhibiting abnormal activity for an extended period, suggesting a buildup of pressure that could eventually result in a full eruption.
Kanlaon’s last magmatic eruption, which was reported by PHIVOLCS in 1902, was notably weak in scale, with only one lava flow recorded.
Magmatic eruption is characterized by explosive production of tall ash-laden eruption columns, or by massive collapses of the summit lava dome, with deadly pyroclastic flows, surges, and lateral blasts, and widespread ashfall, according to PHIVOLCS.
Bornas noted that high monitoring parameters have been observed as early as 2020, which led to raising Alert Level 2 in June 2024.
“Up to now, sulfur dioxide emissions have not decreased, and in recent days, gas emissions have continued to rise. This indicates the continuous release of volcanic gases from rising magma beneath the crater,” she added.
Kanlaon Volcano had three moderately explosive eruptions from February to March this year, aside from a series of ash emission events.
Due to the prolonged unrest, Bornas expects occasional moderate explosive eruptions, accompanied by ashfall at Kanlaon Volcano, adding that such events are part of the ongoing process leading up to a possible magmatic eruption.
Asked when the volcano may have a magmatic eruption, PHIVOLCS said it is impossible to accurately predict.
Bornas reiterated her reminders to all residents within Kanlaon’s four-kilometer permanent danger zone to evacuate, as the eruption may happen anytime.
There is no way of outrunning the eruption, in case it may happen, she stressed.
The problem with Kanlaon is very unique, similar to Taal Volcano, Bornas said, noting that major roads are situated in high risk areas, located on the middle slope of the volcano.
PHIVOLCS reported logging six ash emission events at Kanlaon Volcano on May 5, with plumes as high as 1,500 meters. It also recorded 22 volcanic quakes, including five volcanic tremors.*
