The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has raised the alert status of Kanlaon Volcano from Alert Level 1 (abnormal) to Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest) following an explosive eruption at the summit vent at 6:51 PM today.
The eruption produced a large, incandescent plume that rose to 5,000 meters above the vent and generated probable pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) extending 2-3 kilometers down the southern and southeastern slopes, PHIVOLCS said.
The six-minute eruption was preceded by a relatively strong volcano-tectonic earthquake and has led to reports of coarse ashfall and sulfurous odors in communities on the western slopes, it added.
Despite the significant eruption, only two weak volcanic earthquakes have been recorded since. Kanlaon has been exhibiting above background earthquake activity for the past month and has been degassing relatively anomalous SO2 that has averaged approximately 1,273 tonnes/day for the year.
In light of the eruption and ongoing volcanic activity, PHIVOLCS has issued the following advisories:
- The public is strongly advised to avoid the four-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) due to risks of sudden explosions, rockfalls, and landslides.
- In the event of ash fall, residents are advised to cover their noses and mouths with a damp cloth or dust mask.
- Civil aviation authorities must caution pilots to avoid flying near Kanlaon’s summit to prevent hazards from ash clouds.
