The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) lowered the alert status of Kanlaon Volcano from Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest) to Alert Level 2 (moderate unrest) on Tuesday, July 29, following signs of decreased volcanic activity since its last eruption on May 13.

According to Phivolcs, key monitoring parameters indicate a downward trend in volcanic activity.

The agency observed a notable decrease in volcanic earthquakes, with an average of eight events per day since May 14, a decline from the medium-term average of 14 daily events recorded between June 3, 2024, and May 13, 2025.

While earthquake activity remains dominated by volcano-tectonic events caused by rock fracturing within the edifice, most of these have originated along a northwest-southeast axis at depths of up to 15 kilometers.

However, despite the lower number of events, Phivolcs pointed out that overall seismic energy output has not shown a significant drop, indicating lingering uncertainty in the volcano’s behavior.

Moreover, ash emission, which began in October 2024, has stopped following the last ash event on June 5. Activity at the summit crater has since shifted to quiet steam-dominated degassing.

In total, 306 ash emission events were recorded since Oct. 19, 2024, alongside five explosive eruptions between June 3, 2024, and May 13, 2025.

Sulfur dioxide emissions have also declined, with measurements averaging 1,857 tons per day since May 13, down from more than 4,400 tons per day during periods of explosive activity in 2024 and early 2025.

Phivolcs explained that the decline in gas output may indicate either a pause in magma intrusion, depletion of volcanic gas in the shallow magma reservoir, or sealing of gas pathways within the volcano.

Meanwhile, ground deformation measurements show that inflation of the volcanic edifice has been occurring at low, unsteady rates since 2022.

A short-term deflation was observed between late June and early July 2025, which Phivolcs said may reflect a pause in magma intrusion or a reduction in internal pressure, consistent with the drop in sulfur dioxide emissions.

Despite the lowered alert level, Phivolcs explained that the threat of volcanic activity has not been eliminated.

Alert Level 2 indicates decreased unrest but does not rule out the possibility of sudden explosions or a return to heightened activity, it added.

Should monitoring parameters show signs of renewed escalation, the alert status may be raised back to Level 3.

Communities within the four-kilometer permanent danger zone are advised to remain evacuated due to the continued risk of sudden explosive events, pyroclastic density currents, rockfalls, and the expulsion of volcanic gases.

Local authorities are urged to maintain preparedness for possible evacuation orders if volcanic activity intensifies.

Phivolcs also warned of possible lahars and sediment-laden streamflows in the event of heavy rainfall.

Civil aviation authorities are advised to keep aircraft away from the summit area, as unexpected ash emissions remain hazardous to aviation.

Phivolcs added that if current trends continue, the alert level may be further lowered to Level 1 after a sufficient observation period.