Activity at Kanlaon Volcano continues to increase according to the latest bulletin released by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on January 13, with 2 ash emission events recorded that lasted for 47 minutes.
The volcano, which had been under Alert Level 3 (Intensified Unrest/Magmatic Unrest) for over a month now, remains under close monitoring following an explosive eruption at the summit vent last December 9, 2024.
The latest bulletin reported 22 volcanic earthquakes, including 7 volcanic tremors. Sulfur Dioxide Flux was also recorded at 500 meters.
On Saturday, January 11, PHIVOLCS warned of an abrupt increase in ground deformation at Kanlaon volcano since Friday that could lead to another sudden eruption similar to the one that occurred on December 9.
“The overall parameters may indicate that the shallow magma conduit of the volcano is undergoing pressurization that may lead to an eruption broadly similar to the 9 December 2024 event,” PHIVOLCS said in a previous advisory.
Ground deformation monitoring by the Kanlaon Volcano Network (KVN) has been recording a pronounced inflation or swelling of the middle to upper portion of the eastern edifice since Friday evening, it added.
“Electronic tilt recorded by the Upper Pantao Observation station (VKUP) at 1,056 m elevation on the eastern flank of the volcano showed an abrupt and sharp increase in inflationary tilt since 7:20 p.m. Friday, indicating a sudden pressurization within the upper portions of the edifice,” PHIVOLCS said.
These ground deformation parameters are largely similar to those recorded prior to the December 9 eruption, which was also preceded by a drop in SO2 emission.
PHIVOLCS reported that from 12 a.m. Saturday to 12 a.m. Sunday, Kanlaon had 14 volcanic earthquakes and emitted 3,511 tons of SO2. It also emitted ash for 5 minutes starting at 6:11 a.m. Sunday.
Despite the decrease in activity, PHIVOLCS continues to warn of the possibility of sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions, ashfall, pyroclastic density currents, rockfall, and lahars during heavy rains. Entry into the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) remains prohibited.
