THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) is closely monitoring the condition of Kanlaon Volcano after it noted a sudden increase in gas emissions.
Based on its advisory, Phivolcs reported that the sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emission at the volcano increased to an average of 1,099 tonnes per day, the highest value recorded this year and higher compared to its normal average of 124 tonnes per day recorded since March of this year.
From April 1 to 30 of this year, Phivolcs also recorded 141 volcanic earthquakes at the Kanlaon Volcano, or an average of five quakes per day.
Volcanologists explained that the earthquakes occur at shallow depths, roughly 10 kilometers from the surface, and run across the northern to western portions of the edifice.
Ground deformation data also showed short-term inflation of the lower and middle slopes since March 2023, indicating slow pressurization within the volcano.
Kanlaon remains in Alert Level 1 status, and entering the volcano's four kilometer permanent danger zone is prohibited.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is also directed to advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano's summit as any ejecta from a sudden phreatic eruption is hazardous to aircraft.