Gas and ash emissions have continued at Kanlaon Volcano a week after its explosive eruption on Dec. 9, based on the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) monitoring report on Monday, Dec. 16.

In the past 24 hours, Phivolcs observed weak, continuous degassing with occasional ash emissions at Kanlaon. 

On Dec. 15, sulfur dioxide emissions were recorded at 6,535 tons, indicating elevated levels.

Kanlaon Volcano has been releasing increased concentrations of SO2 since its June 3 eruption, with emissions averaging 4,210 tons daily. 

The heightened activity continued with its eruption on Dec. 9.

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 in effect

Phivolcs has maintained Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest) over Kanlaon Volcano, indicating an increased likelihood of sudden and potentially stronger explosive eruptions that could pose life-threatening hazards to nearby communities. 

Evacuations are recommended for areas within a six-kilometer radius of the summit crater due to risks from pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, ashfall, lava flows, and rockfalls. 

Local government units and disaster risk management councils are urged to closely monitor weather conditions, as heavy rainfall could trigger lahars and sediment-laden streamflows, especially in the barangays of La Castellana and Canlaon City, and downstream areas previously affected by lahars. 

Civil aviation authorities are advised to warn pilots to avoid flying near the volcano’s summit due to potential ash hazards.