Kanlaon Volcano Emits Ash Seven Times in 24 Hours – PHIVOLCS

Kanlaon Volcano Remains Eruptive, Alert Level 3 in Effect

The majestic yet potentially dangerous Kanlaon Volcano, straddling Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, continues to display signs of unrest. Since its eruption on December 9, 2024, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has maintained the alert level at 3, signifying “Intensified Unrest/Magmatic Unrest.”

On Friday, December 8, 2024, Kanlaon exhibited its power with seven ash emission events, each lasting between 12 and 100 minutes. Adding to the display of force, eleven volcanic earthquakes were recorded, seven of which lasted from 17 to 100 minutes. Moderate plumes, reaching heights of up to 150 meters, rose from the volcano, indicating ongoing degassing and drifting southwestward.

PHIVOLCS reports that the volcano’s edifice shows signs of inflation, a clear indication that magma is moving beneath the surface. “The six-kilometer radius from the volcano’s summit should be off-limits,” PHIVOLCS stressed, urging the public to heed this crucial safety advisory. they also cautioned against flying aircraft too close to the volcano, highlighting the potential dangers posed by volcanic activity.

At Alert Level 3, Kanlaon Volcano poses several notable threats, including:

• Hazardous eruption columns: These plumes of hot gas and volcanic ash can rise high into the atmosphere, posing a risk to aircraft and potentially impacting air quality.
• Pyroclastic flows:

These fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic material can destroy everything in their path.

• Lahars:

Volcanic mudflows triggered by heavy rainfall can devastate downstream areas.

• Ashfall:

Ashfall can disrupt air travel, damage crops, and pose respiratory hazards.

Kanlaon Volcano: A Persistent Threat

Kanlaon Volcano, a towering presence in the Philippines’ Visayas region, has been a source of both scenic beauty and volcanic unrest. As of December 9, 2024, the volcano is exhibiting heightened activity, prompting concern and raising questions about potential dangers.Dr. Lea Santos, a volcanologist with PHIVOLCS, shed light on the current situation, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness.

“The volcano is exhibiting intensified unrest at Alert Level 3,” Dr. Santos explains. Recent observations include multiple ash emissions lasting from 12 to 100 minutes, along with eleven volcanic earthquakes ranging from 17 to 100 minutes in duration. “These earthquakes, coupled with the ash emissions, suggest significant magmatic activity beneath the surface,” she adds. Moderate plumes, reaching heights of up to 150 meters, drifting southwestward, further indicate ongoing degassing. The combined data paints a clear picture: Kanlaon Volcano is experiencing active magma movement.

This heightened activity presents several potential dangers,especially for residents living near the volcano. At Alert Level 3, the risk of sudden explosive eruptions is significant. These eruptions could be accompanied by lava flows, ashfall, pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), and rockfall. moreover, heavy rainfall can trigger lahars – devastating volcanic mudflows – posing an additional threat.

Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the province of Negros Oriental declared a state of calamity due to the eruption. This declaration aims to mobilize resources and ensure the well-being of residents in the affected areas.

The Kanlaon Volcano serves as a stark reminder of the powerful forces that shape our planet. Its ongoing activity underscores the importance of preparedness, awareness, and the crucial role of organizations like PHIVOLCS in monitoring and mitigating volcanic hazards.

Staying Safe Near Active Volcanoes: What You Need to Know

The recent eruption of Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Occidental serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by active volcanoes.While these geological giants are awe-inspiring, their unpredictable nature requires constant vigilance and preparedness from those living in their vicinity.

To understand the risks and mitigation strategies, let’s turn to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the country’s leading authority on volcanic activity.

Understanding the Dangers

“PHIVOLCS strongly advises against entering the six-kilometer radius surrounding the volcano’s summit,” explains a PHIVOLCS spokesperson. “This zone is considered highly dangerous due to the threat of volcanic hazards.” These hazards can include pyroclastic flows, ashfall, lahars, and volcanic gases, all of which pose significant risks to human life and property.

PHIVOLCS: On High Alert

To ensure public safety, PHIVOLCS employs a multi-pronged approach to monitoring Kanlaon and mitigating potential risks. “We have on-site observatories that continuously monitor ground deformation, seismic activity, gas emissions, and other relevant parameters,” the spokesperson adds.”This data allows us to assess the volcano’s status and issue timely warnings.”

In addition to monitoring, PHIVOLCS actively collaborates with local authorities to develop hazard maps and evacuation plans. This proactive approach aims to minimize the potential impact of any eruption and safeguard the lives of those living near the volcano.

Preparing for the Unforeseen

While PHIVOLCS works tirelessly to monitor and mitigate volcanic risks, individual preparedness is crucial. “Following official updates from PHIVOLCS and local authorities is absolutely essential,” emphasizes the spokesperson. “Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and establish an emergency communication plan with your family.” The spokesperson also stresses the importance of having a preparedness kit readily available, stocked with essentials like water, food, first-aid supplies, flashlights, and other necesary items.

By staying informed, taking necessary precautions, and remaining vigilant, individuals living near active volcanoes can significantly reduce their risk and be better prepared to navigate potential volcanic hazards.

How effective are community education programs in mitigating the risks associated with volcanic eruptions?

Kanlaon Volcano: A Continuous Threat

Kanlaon Volcano,a towering presence in the Philippines’ Visayas region,has been a source of both scenic beauty and volcanic unrest. As of December 9, 2024, the volcano is exhibiting heightened activity, prompting concern and raising questions about potential dangers.Dr. Lea Santos,a volcanologist with PHIVOLCS,shed light on the current situation,emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness.

“The volcano is exhibiting intensified unrest at Alert Level 3,” Dr. Santos explains. Recent observations include multiple ash emissions lasting from 12 to 100 minutes, along with eleven volcanic earthquakes ranging from 17 to 100 minutes in duration. “These earthquakes, coupled with the ash emissions, suggest significant magmatic activity beneath the surface,” she adds. Moderate plumes, reaching heights of up to 150 meters, drifting southwestward, further indicate ongoing degassing. The combined data paints a clear picture: Kanlaon Volcano is experiencing active magma movement.

This heightened activity presents several potential dangers,especially for residents living near the volcano. At Alert Level 3, the risk of sudden explosive eruptions is significant. These eruptions could be accompanied by lava flows, ashfall, pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), and rockfall. moreover, heavy rainfall can trigger lahars – devastating volcanic mudflows – posing an additional threat.

Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the province of Negros Oriental declared a state of calamity due to the eruption. This declaration aims to mobilize resources and ensure the well-being of residents in the affected areas.

The Kanlaon Volcano serves as a stark reminder of the powerful forces that shape our planet. Its ongoing activity underscores the importance of preparedness, awareness, and the crucial role of organizations like PHIVOLCS in monitoring and mitigating volcanic hazards.

Staying Safe near Active Volcanoes

The recent eruption of Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Occidental serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by active volcanoes.While these geological giants are awe-inspiring, their unpredictable nature requires constant vigilance and preparedness from those living in their vicinity.

To understand the risks and mitigation strategies, let’s turn to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the country’s leading authority on volcanic activity.

Understanding the Dangers

“PHIVOLCS strongly advises against entering the six-kilometer radius surrounding the volcano’s summit,” explains a PHIVOLCS spokesperson. “this zone is considered highly dangerous due to the threat of volcanic hazards.” These hazards can include pyroclastic flows, ashfall, lahars, and volcanic gases, all of which pose significant risks to human life and property.

PHIVOLCS: On High Alert

To ensure public safety, PHIVOLCS employs a multi-pronged approach to monitoring Kanlaon and mitigating potential risks. “We have on-site observatories that continuously monitor ground deformation,seismic activity,gas emissions,and other relevant parameters,” the spokesperson adds.”This data allows us to assess the volcano’s status and issue timely warnings.”

Along with monitoring, PHIVOLCS actively collaborates with local authorities to develop hazard maps and evacuation plans. This proactive approach aims to minimize the potential impact of any eruption and safeguard the lives of those living near the volcano.

Preparing for the unforeseen

While PHIVOLCS works tirelessly to monitor and mitigate volcanic risks, individual preparedness is crucial. “Following official updates from PHIVOLCS and local authorities is absolutely essential,” emphasizes the spokesperson. “Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and establish an emergency communication plan with your family.” The spokesperson also stresses the importance of having a preparedness kit readily available, stocked with essentials like water, food, first-aid supplies, flashlights, and other necesary items.

By staying informed, taking necessary precautions, and remaining vigilant, individuals living near active volcanoes can significantly reduce their risk and be better prepared to navigate potential volcanic hazards.

How do you think communities living near volcanoes can best prepare for future eruptions?