PHIVOLCS raises Kanlaon Volcano alert to Level 3 after eruption, seismic activity, high SO2 emissions.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised Kanlaon Volcano's alert status to Level 3 following an explosive eruption on December 9, after continuous seismic activity since June.

Since then, the volcano has shown increased sulfur dioxide emissions, releasing 4,194 tons on February 5, surpassing the previous day’s measurement of 1,962 tons and showing continued seismic activity with 15 volcanic earthquakes detected.

Kanlaon also generated a moderate plume that rose up to 300 meters above the summit and drifted westward, while no ash emissions were recorded during this period.

Residents are advised to stay vigilant and follow guidelines provided by local authorities for their safety, as Alert Level 3 indicates ongoing magmatic unrest with potential hazards such as sudden explosive eruptions, lava flow or effusion, ashfall, pyroclastic density current, rockfall, and lahars during heavy rains.

PHIVOLCS recommends evacuation from within a six-kilometer radius around the volcano's summit and warns against flying any aircraft near the area due to ongoing volcanic activity.