The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has reported a significant surge in sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from Kanlaon Volcano.
In its bulletin on Thursday, Dec. 12, Phivolcs measured 7,019 tons of SO2 on Dec. 11, nearly double the 4,121 tons recorded 24 hours earlier.
This increase follows Kanlaon Volcano’s explosive eruption on Dec. 9, which sent ash and pyroclastic density currents across parts of Negros Island.
The elevated SO2 levels are a key sign of the volcano’s sustained magmatic unrest.
Since it also had an eruption on June 3, Phivolcs said Kanlaon has emitted consistently high levels of SO2, with the highest recorded release of 11,556 tons per day on Sept. 11.
Alert Level 3 remains in effect due to intensified volcanic or magmatic unrest, indicating the potential for further eruptions.
Local government units have been advised to evacuate residents within the six-kilometer radius of the summit and to remain prepared for additional evacuations should the situation worsen.