Kanlaon Volcano Eruptions: Ash Emissions and Safety Alerts
Kanlaon Volcano Remains Active, Ash Emissions Continue
Negros Island, Philippines – Kanlaon volcano, located on the island of Negros in the Philippines, continues to show signs of unrest, with 13 ash emission events recorded in the past 24 hours. the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported the activity in its latest bulletin, released on Friday.
Phivolcs noted that the volcano is exhibiting “moderate” degassing, with ash emissions lasting anywhere from two minutes to over an hour. While sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions have decreased slightly from the previous day, they remain high at 3,999 tons.
The alert level for Kanlaon Volcano remains at Level 3, indicating a high level of volcanic unrest.Phivolcs warns that magmatic intrusion into shallow levels of the volcano could lead to hazardous eruptions within weeks.
This heightened alert level follows a powerful eruption on December 9th, which sent ash and pyroclastic density currents across parts of Negros Island. In response, Phivolcs expanded the danger zone around the summit crater from four kilometers to six kilometers.
Local authorities have been urged to evacuate residents within the expanded danger zone and to prepare for potential further evacuations if the situation escalates.
Kanlaon Volcano Experts Warn of Potential Eruption, Alert Level Remains Elevated
Iloilo City, Philippines - Following a major eruption on December 9th, Kanlaon Volcano continues to demonstrate heightened levels of unrest, raising concerns among local authorities and volcanological experts.
Speaking to Newsdirectory3.com, Dr. Maria Elena Reyes, a volcanologist with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), stated, “The volcanoS activity remains significant. While the frequency and intensity of ash emissions have slightly decreased in recent hours,we are closely monitoring the situation as elevated levels of sulfur dioxide emissions persist.These, coupled with the ongoing degassing, heavily suggest that magma is still intruding into shallower depths within the volcano.”
Phivolcs has maintained the alert level at Level 3, indicating a high possibility of a hazardous eruption occurring within weeks. This follows a powerful eruption on December 9th, which sent ash plumes and pyroclastic density currents across Negros Island, prompting Phivolcs to expand the volcano’s danger zone from 4 kilometers to 6 kilometers.
Dr. Reyes emphasized the importance of vigilance, stating, “The warnings from phivolcs are not to be taken lightly. The expanded danger zone is in place for a reason. We urge local authorities and residents to remain prepared and follow evacuation orders should the situation escalate.”
While current ash emissions have been relatively short-lived, lasting between two minutes and an hour, Dr. Reyes warned that “further significant eruptions are possible, with potential for larger ash clouds and pyroclastic flows.” She reiterated the importance of preparation, asserting, “Timely evacuations can save lives.”