• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned the possibility of an eventual magmatic eruption of Kanlaon Volcano, which has been in a state of long term unrest since 2010.
Ma. Antonia Bornas, chief of the Volcano and Eruption Prediction Division, said on Tuesday (May 5) that Kanlaon Volcano has been exhibiting abnormal activity for an extended period, suggesting a buildup of pressure that could eventually result in a full eruption.
Kanlaon’s last magmatic eruption, which was reported by Phivolcs in 1902, was notably weak in scale with only one lava flow recorded.
Magmatic eruption is characterized by explosive production of tall ash-laden eruption columns or by massive collapses of summit lava dome, with deadly pyroclastic flows, surges and lateral blasts and widespread ashfall, according to Phivolcs.
Bornas noted that high monitoring parameters have been observed as early as 2020, which led to the raising of Alert Level 2 in June 2024.
“Up to now, sulfur dioxide emissions have not decreased, and in recent days, gas emissions have continued to rise. This indicates the continuous release of volcanic gases from rising magma beneath the crater,” she added.
Kanlaon Volcano had three moderately explosive eruptions between February and March this year, aside from a series of ash emission events.
Due to prolonged unrest, Bornas said they occasional moderate explosive eruptions accompanied by ashfall at Kanlaon Volcano, adding that such events are part of the ongoing process leading up to the possible magmatic eruption.
As to when the volcano may have magmatic eruption, it is impossible to accurately predict, according to Phivolcs.
Bornas reiterated her reminders to all residents within the four-kilometer permanent danger zone to evacuate as the eruption may happen anytime.
“There is no way of outrunning the eruption, in case it may happen,” she said.
Phivolcs reported to have logged six ash emission events at Kanlaon Volcano as of May 5, with plumes as high as 1,500 meters.
It also recorded 22 volcanic quakes, including five volcanic tremors. | GB
