Phivolcs: Kanlaon spewing more sulfur dioxide

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) yesterday reported an elevated volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emission from the summit crater of Kanlaon Volcano after it averaged 4,397 tons per day.

- BELLA CARIASO

Last Saturday's emission was the highest this year and the second highest land-based measurement for Kanlaon, according to state volcanologists.

"The volcano has been degassing increased concentrations of volcanic SO2 this year at an average rate of 1,458 tons per day, but emission since the June 3, 2024 eruption has been particularly elevated at a current average of 3,347 tons per day," Phivolcs said.

It added that volcanic earthquake has persisted at an average of 33 events per day since the eruption.

Phivolcs noted that medium-term inflation of the Kanlaon edifice has been recorded since March 2022 and a shorter-term inflation of the eastern flank since last year, indicating slow pressurization within the volcano.

"The overall monitoring parameters indicate that degassing of magma may be driving current unrest, causing increased volcanic gas emission, swelling of the edifice and occasional volcanic earthquake activity," the state agency said.

Phivolcs reminded the public that Alert Level 2 prevails over Kanlaon.