Phivolcs warns of Kanlaon eruption after 41 earthquakes recorded

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has warned of potential eruptive explosions at Kanlaon Volcano following the recording of 41 volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes.

These VT earthquakes, occurring between Saturday night and Sunday morning at depths of zero to seven kilometers, are caused by fracturing of rocks and indicate rising magma or magmatic gas progressing towards the surface.

The quakes ranged in strength between 0.8 and 4.6 magnitude and were felt with varying intensities in several local government units.

While sulfur dioxide emissions on Saturday were measured at 1,122 tons, lower than the daily average since January 1, 2025, the increased VT events raise the chances of phreatic eruptions.

These potential eruptions could lead to hazards such as pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, ashfall, and rockfall.

Phivolcs advises communities within the four-kilometer permanent danger zone to evacuate and urges those within a six-kilometer radius from the summit crater to remain vigilant.

Civil aviation authorities have also been instructed to prohibit aircraft from flying near the volcano's summit.