The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported multiple ash emission events and seismic activities at Kanlaon Volcano over the weekend, as the active volcano continues to show signs of heightened activity.
In its bulletin on Monday, Dec. 30, Phivolcs said Kanlaon Volcano had six ash emission events in the last 24 hours, lasting between 12 and 84 minutes.
Phivolcs also reported an increase in seismic activity, with 23 volcanic earthquakes recorded, including 11 volcanic tremors, which lasted from seven to 74 minutes. This follows the 16 volcanic quakes recorded previously.
The tremors are often associated with the movement of magma beneath the surface, indicating ongoing volcanic processes.
Phivolcs also noted that the occasional ash emissions are accompanied by the continuous release of gas.
It measured the sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission at approximately 6,559 tons per day. Kanlaon Volcano has been releasing increased concentrations of SO2 this year following an explosive eruption on June 3.
Phivolcs added that the volcano edifice remains inflated, which could indicate that magma is slowly moving toward the surface.
Due to the ongoing magmatic unrest, Kanlaon Volcano remains at Alert Level 3.
Phivolcs warned nearby communities of the potential for sudden explosive eruptions, lava flows or effusion, ashfall, pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, rockfalls, and lahar flows during heavy rainfall.