Kanlaon Volcano continues to show signs of unrest, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reporting 37 volcanic earthquakes in the past 24 hours.
The activity has prompted authorities to maintain Alert Level 3, indicating intensified magmatic unrest.
On Sunday, the volcano, which sits on the border of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, released 3,639 tonnes of sulfur dioxide. Volcanic plumes were observed rising up to 500 meters, drifting southwest and west, signaling ongoing degassing.
PHIVOLCS also noted that the volcano’s edifice remains inflated, heightening concerns of potential hazards.
With the alert level still in effect, officials are urging the evacuation of areas within a six-kilometer radius from the summit. The warning also prohibits aircraft from flying near the volcano.
At Alert Level 3, Kanlaon presents several risks, including sudden explosive eruptions, lava flows, ashfall, pyroclastic density currents, rockfalls, and lahars during heavy rains.
The volcano last erupted explosively on December 9, leading to the increase in alert level from 2 to 3. It also erupted on June 3, sending plumes as high as 5,000 meters into the air.
