Mount Kanlaon, one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, continues to show significant volcanic activity, spewing 4,113 tons of sulfur dioxide as reported on June 5, 2024. This comes just days after a dramatic eruption sent a 5 km plume of volcanic ash and rocks into the sky, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Phivolcs chief Teresita Bacolcol stated that the agency has recorded 53 volcanic earthquakes and substantial sulfur dioxide emissions over 24 hours. “This is quite significant but it is expected kasi katatapos lang ng eruption,” she said in an interview with TeleRadyo Serbisyo. Bacolcol emphasized that Phivolcs will maintain close monitoring of the volcano for two weeks before deciding whether to lower the alert level back to 1.
Residents are advised to avoid the 4-kilometer permanent danger zone surrounding the volcano. Before Monday’s explosive eruption, Phivolcs had already observed an increase in volcanic earthquakes, indicating heightened activity.
Mariton Bornas, the chief science research specialist of Phivolcs, highlighted that Kanlaon had been quietly degassing and producing weak low-frequency volcanic earthquakes as of Tuesday. However, he cautioned that the volcano might still erupt violently without any precursor activity. This unpredictability necessitates continuous monitoring and readiness for any sudden changes in the volcano’s behavior.
Phivolcs continues to employ advanced monitoring equipment to track seismic activity, gas emissions, and other volcanic indicators. The data collected will inform their decisions regarding the alert levels and necessary precautionary measures to ensure public safety.
The recent activity at Mount Kanlaon serves as a stark reminder of the Philippines’ position within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region characterized by frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The government, through agencies like Phivolcs, remains committed to safeguarding the populace through vigilant monitoring, timely information dissemination, and coordinated emergency response efforts.
As the situation develops, residents and local authorities are urged to stay informed through official channels and to heed the advisories issued by Phivolcs and other relevant agencies. The ongoing volcanic activity at Mount Kanlaon underscores the importance of preparedness and the need for a proactive approach to mitigate the risks associated with living in a volcanically active region.