• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that Kanlaon volcano emitted an average of 4,839 sulfur dioxide (SO2) on August 10, marking the fourth highest level since gas monitoring began.
Since its phreatic eruption on June 3, Alert Level 2 has remained in effect over Kanlaon volcano, which logged 20 volcanic quakes in the past 24 hours, PHIVOLCS said in an issued advisory on Aug. 11.
Before the June 3 eruption of the volcano, average SO2 emissions were recorded at 1,273 tons per day, and has been observed to surge to an average of 3,037 tons per day since then.
PHIVOLCS advised the public to remain vigilant and avoid entering the four-kilometer permanent danger zone to minimize risks from volcanic hazards, including pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, and rockfalls.
The municipal government of La Castellana has yet to allow residents in the 4-kilometer danger zone to return to their respective homes, to ensure their safety.
“The overall monitoring parameters indicate that magmatic processes beneath the volcano may be driving current unrest, causing persistently high concentrations of volcanic gas emission, swelling of the edifice, and occasional volcanic earthquake activity,” PHIVOLCS said.*
