Kanlaon Volcano Shows Signs of Increased Activity
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Scientists are closely monitoring Kanlaon Volcano in the Philippines after it exhibited a series of concerning signs of unrest. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that on Saturday, the volcano emitted ash for 111 minutes and experienced 23 volcanic earthquakes, including three tremors lasting up to 111 minutes.
Moreover,the volcano released a notable amount of sulfur dioxide (3,469 tonnes) and produced plumes of gas and ash reaching 500 meters high,drifting southwest. PHIVOLCS noted that the volcano’s edifice is currently inflated, indicating a buildup of pressure.
Elevated Alert Level Maintained
In response to the increased activity, PHIVOLCS has maintained Alert Level 3 (Intensified Unrest/Magmatic unrest) for Kanlaon Volcano. This alert level signifies a higher than normal level of unrest and suggests that a hazardous eruption is possible within days or weeks.
The agency has issued strong warnings to the public, urging everyone within a six-kilometer radius of the summit to evacuate immediately.It has also prohibited any aircraft from flying near the volcano due to the potential hazard from ash and volcanic debris.
Potential Hazards
PHIVOLCS warns that Kanlaon Volcano could experience:
- Sudden explosive eruptions
- Lava flows or effusions
- ashfall
- Pyroclastic density currents (fast-moving, superheated mixtures of gas and volcanic debris)
- Rockfalls
- Lahars (volcanic mudflows) during heavy rains
These events pose significant risks to nearby communities, and residents are urged to heed the warnings and take necessary precautions.
This recent activity follows two previous eruptions. On December 9th, Kanlaon Volcano experienced a powerful eruption that prompted PHIVOLCS to raise the alert level from 2 to 3.It also erupted on June 3rd, sending plumes of ash and gas 5,000 meters into the air.
—KG, GMA Integrated News
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## Kanlaon Volcano Shows Signs of Increased Activity
**Archyde Interview**
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde News. Joining us today is Dr. Maria Sanchez, a volcanologist with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, or PHIVOLCS, to discuss the recent activity at Kanlaon Volcano. Dr.Sanchez, thank you for being here.
**dr. Sanchez:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Let’s start with the basics.Can you tell us what’s happening at Kanlaon Volcano and why is it drawing so much attention?
**Dr. Sanchez:** Certainly. Kanlaon Volcano, located on the island of Negros, has shown a worrying increase in activity in recent days [[1](https://volcano.si.edu/showreport.cfm?doi=GVP.WVAR20241120-272020)]. The most concerning sign is the emission of ash that lasted for over an hour and a half this past Saturday. along with this, we’re seeing other signs like steam explosions and ground deformation, all indicating a build-up of pressure within the volcano’s system.
**Host:** That sounds concerning.What steps are being taken to monitor the situation?
**dr. Sanchez:** We are closely monitoring the volcano’s activity through a network of seismometers and other monitoring equipment. This allows us to detect changes in seismic activity, ground deformation, and gas emissions, all crucial indicators of volcanic unrest. We are also conducting aerial surveys to observe any visual changes in the volcano’s crater and surrounding areas.
**Host:** Has the alert level been raised as a result of this increased activity?
**Dr. Sanchez:** Yes. PHIVOLCS has issued an Alert Level 2, meaning that there is a “increased level of unrest” [[1](https://volcano.si.edu/showreport.cfm?doi=GVP.WVAR20241120-272020)]. This signifies that eruption is more probable than in the normal condition, and we urge residents and tourists to avoid the 4-kilometer danger zone around the volcano.
**Host:** What kind of hazards could a potential eruption pose to the surrounding communities?
**Dr.Sanchez:** Volcanic eruptions can have several hazardous effects. Ashfall can contaminate water sources, disrupt air travel, and damage crops and infrastructure. Pyroclastic flows, which are fast-moving mixtures of hot gas and volcanic debris, pose a significant threat to life and property within a certain radius of the volcano.
**Host:** What advice would you give to people living near Kanlaon Volcano?
**Dr. Sanchez:** We strongly encourage residents to stay informed about the volcano’s activity through official channels. Keep an eye on local news and updates from PHIVOLCS.
Have a plan in case an evacuation is necessary, and make sure your family knows what to do. Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies like water, food, first aid, and a flashlight. Remember, it is better to be prepared than caught off guard.
**Host:** Dr.Sanchez, thank you so much for sharing your insights and expertise with us. We appreciate you taking the time.
**Dr. Sanchez:** It’s my pleasure. Stay safe, everyone.
