Caap prohibits flights within 10,000 feet from Kanlaon Volcano

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MANILA, Philippines — The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) on Tuesday barred any aircraft from flying within 10,000 feet of the surface of Kanlaon Volcano due to Alert Level 1 status.

The order came a day after Caap also barred planes from flying near Mayon Volcano and Taal Volcano following the increasing volcanic activities.

“[Kanlaon] volcano is currently on alert level 1, indicating an abnormal condition. Flight operators are strongly advised to avoid flying in close proximity to the volcano’s summit due to the possibility of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions,” said Caap in a statement, after issuing a notice to airmen (Notam) to aircraft operators.

“Such eruptions may pose a significant hazard to aircraft from the surface up to 10,000 feet. Additionally, entry within the 4-kilometer radius of the permanent danger zone of Kanlaon Volcano has been prohibited,” it added.

Kanlaon Volcano is currently under Alert Level 1 — indicating low-level unrest — and has been in the same status since March 2020.

Based on the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology’s latest advisory, Kanlaon Volcano’s average sulfur dioxide emission is currently at 1,089 tonnes per day as of June 5, higher than the 206 tonnes recorded as of June 1.

Meanwhile, five volcanic earthquakes were also recorded in the past 24 hours.

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Phivolcs maintains Alert Level 2 in Mayon Volcano

JPV/abc