Kanlaon Volcano shows signs of increased activity, Phivolcs raises alert level

On Saturday, January 11, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that Kanlaon Volcano is showing signs of increased ground swelling, which may lead to sudden explosive eruptions.

Since Friday evening, Phivolcs observed a sharp increase in the tilt of the eastern side of Kanlaon Volcano, similar to pre-December 9, 2024 eruption conditions, with significant drops in sulfur dioxide emissions noted on Thursday, January 9.

Phivolcs had previously maintained Alert Level 2 for Kanlaon until its explosive eruption on December 9, after which the status was raised to Alert Level 3 due to ongoing seismic activity and signs of magmatic unrest.

The volcano's southeastern flank has been inflating since late December 2024, while its western flank has been deflating since early January 2025.

Phivolcs warned communities within a 6-kilometer radius to evacuate due to the danger of pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, ashfall, lava flows, rockfalls, lahars, and muddy streamflows during heavy rain.