KANLAON Volcano on Negros Island continues to exhibit significant volcanic activity, with at least 26 volcanic earthquakes recorded for three consecutive days, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
In its latest updates, PHIVOLCS reported 26 volcanic quakes on January 1, followed by 27 earthquakes on both January 2 and January 3. On New Year’s Eve, the agency recorded as many as 45 earthquakes.
Additionally, Kanlaon experienced multiple volcanic tremors. On January 1, eight tremors lasted between 10 and 282 minutes, while nine tremors with durations of 14 to 142 minutes were observed on January 2. Ash emission events were also noted on January 1 and 2.
However, no ash emissions were recorded during the monitoring period from 12 a.m. Friday to 12 a.m. Saturday. Despite this, the volcano continues to release significant amounts of sulfur dioxide, measured at 5,840 tons per day. A moderate volcanic plume, rising 750 meters and drifting northwest and west, was observed alongside continuous degassing activity.
Kanlaon’s edifice remains inflated, indicating magmatic intrusion, prompting PHIVOLCS to maintain Alert Level 3. This level signifies intensified unrest, with the potential for a hazardous eruption within weeks.
Hazards and Preparedness
Potential dangers include sudden explosive eruptions, lava flows or effusion, ashfall, pyroclastic density currents, rockfalls, and lahar flows during heavy rains. The danger zone has been expanded to a six-kilometer radius from the summit crater.
This heightened alert follows an explosive eruption on December 9, which displaced thousands of residents. Authorities, including the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), are preparing for a possible escalation to Alert Level 4. The OCD warns of scenarios such as lava flows, violent eruptions, or a plateau in volcanic activity.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and comply with evacuation orders and safety measures as volcanic activity persists.