Increased gas emission seen at Kanlaon Volcano

MANILA, Philippines — State volcanologists yesterday monitored an increased sulfur dioxide emission at Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the volcano emitted 2,707 tons of gas, the second highest emission recorded this year.

In January, Kanlaon’s emission was at 3,098 tons, Phivolcs said.

Since the start of the year, there has been an increased concentration of volcanic sulfur dioxide emissions from Kanlaon, averaging at 1,300 tons per day.

The overall monitored parameters indicated that degassing of deep magma could be driving hydrothermal activity beneath the edifice.

Hydrothermal activity increases volcanic gas emissions, swelling of the edifice and occasional volcanic earthquakes.

Phivolcs said Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 1, which means it is at a low level of unrest.

Entry into the four-kilometer permanent danger zone around the volcano is prohibited as sudden and hazardous phreatic eruptions may occur any time.

“Pilots have been advised to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejecta from any sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft,” Phivolcs said.