Alert level 1 still in place
(Eagle News)–The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Tuesday, April 30, warned of an increase in volcanic sulfur dioxide flux at Kanlaon.
In am advisory, PHIVOLCS noted SO2 gas emissions from the crater of the volcano, which remains on alert level 1, averaged 2707 tons on the day.
It said this was the second-highest emission recorded this year, with the highest pegged at 3098 tons and recorded on Jan. 19.
“Kanlaon has been degassing increased concentrations of volcanic SO2 at an average of 1300 tons per day for the year,” PHIVOLCS said.
In addition, it said that while volcanic earthquake activity remains at a baseline average of three events per day, “episodes of increased seismicity have occurred several times this year.”
According to PHIVOLCS, the “overall monitoring parameters indicate that degassing of deep magma may be driving increased hydrothermal activity beneath the edifice, causing increased volcanic gas emission, swelling of the edifice, and occasional volcanic earthquake activity.”
PHIVOLCS advised against entry into the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone due to what it said were increased chances of sudden and hazardous phreatic eruptions occurring without warning.”
It said civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots against flying close to the volcano’s summit.