KANLAON VOLCANO CONTINUES TO EMIT VOLCANIC ASH OVER THE PAST DAYS

Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Island emits huge amounts of ash for the past days, residents in affected communities are advised to wear masks (Photo courtesy of PHIVOLCS/GMA News)

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the Mt. Kanlaon in northern Negros Island continues to emit volcanic ash over the past days. On November 05 a “voluminous’ 900-meter tall plume with intermittent ash was discharged by Kanlaon Volcano.”

The volcano also generated 4,768 tonnes of sulfur dioxide flux lower than the 5,177 tonnes it released on Sunday. Eight earthquakes were also recorded at Kanlaon Volcano, while its edifice remained inflated.

Last October 28, PHIVOLCS said that the volcanic sulfur dioxide gas emission from the summit crater of Kanlaon has elevated since the June 3, 2024 eruption. On November 02, an average of 4,171 tons of sulfur dioxide was emitted by the volcano, a voluminous plumes rising up to 700 meters tall were also observed. It also had 14 volcanic earthquakes.

Likewise, the seismic activity at the volcano also increased last week. Alert Level 2 is currently raised at Kanlaon Volcano due to an “increased unrest” following its explosive eruption in June.

Entry into the volcano’s 4-kilometer radius permanent danger zone, and flying any aircraft close to it are prohibited. Sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions may also occur.

According to a pulmonologist in this Negros Oriental capital, people with comorbidities are advised to wear masks, especially those in areas that are largely affected by tiny particles. 

“The most vulnerable are the ones much affected. The young, the elderly, and those with comorbidities especially with lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obsessive pulmonary disorder,” Dr. Cesar Antonio Ligo said.

Phivolcs describes the recent ash events as “minor” despite the alert warnings via SMS or short messaging system sent out by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

“The event was a minor one and just an advice for communities to expect and guard against ash. If communities experience ash, then they should wear masks.” Negros residents received emergency alerts on their cellphones for two days in a row from the NDRRMC warning them of possible ashfall.

Source: GMA Integrated News 

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