Kanlaon Volcano update: Sulfur dioxide emission, quakes increase

Kanlaon Volcano (Photo by Marvin Escander, contributor)

MANILA, Philippines — The volume of sulfur dioxide emitted by Kanlaon Volcano on Sunday was almost five times more than the previous day, based on the 24-hour monitoring of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Phivolcs said that the volcano released 3,683 tons of sulfur dioxide on Sunday, a significant increase from the 703 tons on Saturday. 

READ: In La Carlota, evacuees return home as Kanlaon calms down

The volcano also had more volcanic earthquakes on Sunday at 11 compared to Saturday’s four.

Phivolcs defines a volcanic earthquake as one coming from an active volcano, while a tectonic earthquake is generated by faulting. 

The agency added that the volcano’s plume is obscured while its edifice is still inflated. 

The volcano, which sits between Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental, remains under alert level 2, which indicates increased unrest.

Hence, Phivolcs prohibits entry into the four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone and flights in the vicinity of the volcano. 

Phivolcs also warned nearby residents of possible hazards such as phreatic eruptions and precursory magmatic activity.

READ: DENR urged to allow dredging in Mt. Kanlaon to prevent flooding

Sixty-one families who stayed in evacuation tents for more than eight months after the volcano erupted in December 2024 returned home last August 14. They were given the go signal after the volcano’s alert level was lowered from 3 to 2 last June 29. 

Prior to this, about 1,500 residents of La Castellana, Negros Occidental, living within the six-kilometer expanded danger zone were ferried home by government vehicles last August 1, while around 1,400 residents of Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, also returned home last July 31. /gsg