Kanlaon Volcano releases record SO₂, PHIVOLCS warns

On Sunday, Kanlaon Volcano released 6,367 tonnes of sulfur dioxide (SO2), the third-highest amount this year.

PHIVOLCS reported four volcanic earthquakes in the past 24 hours and noted that voluminous plumes up to 700 meters tall were observed drifting northward.

Since June 3, 2024, volcanic gas emissions have been particularly elevated at an average rate of 3,295 tonnes/day, compared to 1,273 tonnes/day before the eruption.

PHIVOLCS has recorded nine volcanic earthquakes per day on average and noted slow but sustained inflation since March 2022.

The current monitoring indicates shallow magmatic processes driving unrest, leading to persistent gas emissions, earthquake activity, and edifice swelling.

Kanlaon is currently under Alert Level 2, with the public advised to avoid a four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and stay alert for possible volcanic hazards.

Flying aircraft close to the volcano is also prohibited due to safety concerns.