• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The occurrence of superheated gas emission and swarm of volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes at Kanlaon Volcano may lead to short-lived moderate explosive eruption, a Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology volcanologist warned Jan. 29.
Mari Andylene Quintia, Phivolcs resident volcanologist stationed at the La Carlota City observatory, said that prior to Kanlaon’s eruption on Dec. 9, 2024, and in May and October last year, they noticed superheated gas emissions from the volcano.
The superheated plume activity at the crater of Kanlaon was recorded by Phivolcs between 6:41 p.m. and 7:13 p.m. Jan. 28, through an infrared channel of the Upper Pantao, Canlaon City Observation Station (VKUP).
Heat-sensitive cameras have frequently recorded nighttime emissions of superheated gas from Kanlaon, which cannot be seen with the naked eye, the Phivolcs said, noting that Alert Level 2 prevails over the volcano, which means that it is in a state of increased unrest.
Quintia added they also recorded swarm of VT earthquakes in previous weeks.
VT is generated by the rock fracturing process beneath the volcano, as rising magma, or magmatic gas drives a path toward the surface gases, the Phivolcs said.
In an advisory, Phivolcs recorded three volcanic quakes, as of midnight of Jan. 29.
Volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emissions were also logged Jan. 29 from the summit crater of Kanlaon, averaging 1,488 tons, it added.
Quintia reminded that residents are barred from entering the 4-kilometer permanent danger zone, as the volcano could erupt anytime. | GB
