Kanlaon Volcano’s SO₂ emissions hit record high, second highest globally

The sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from Negros Island's Kanlaon Volcano reached an average of 4,397 tons per day on Saturday, June 8, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

This is both the highest emission recorded this year by campaign survey and the second-highest land-based measurement for Kanlaon.

Since its eruption last Monday, Phivolcs has noted an increase in volcanic earthquakes at an average rate of 33 per day, along with swelling of the volcano's edifice observed since March 2022.

The current unrest is driven by shallow magmatic processes and could lead to explosive eruptions at the summit crater.

Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 2, indicating potential for explosive eruptions; Phivolcs advises residents to avoid the 4-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone around Kanlaon and be prepared for ashfall and lahars during the rainy season.