The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported a significant increase in seismic activity at Kanlaon Volcano, with 90 volcanic earthquakes recorded in the past 24 hours.
These earthquakes were logged between 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, and 12 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3. “Most of these earthquakes were generated within a depth of 20 kilometers beneath the southeastern sector of the edifice and consist of five (5) volcano-tectonic events that are produced by rock fracturing and eighty-five (85) weak low-frequency events that indicate the movement of volcanic fluids,” PHIVOLCS explained.
Additionally, volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emissions from the summit crater have remained elevated since the June 3, 2024 eruption.
PHIVOLCS noted that magmatic processes beneath the volcano “may be driving current unrest, causing increased volcanic earthquake activity, persistently high concentrations of volcanic gas emission, and swelling of the edifice.”
Alert Level 2 Status
Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 2, indicating a state of unrest that could potentially lead to explosive eruptions. Entry into the volcano’s four-kilometer permanent danger zone is strictly prohibited, and flying aircraft close to the volcano is also barred.
Residents living near rivers are advised to be cautious during heavy rains due to the possibility of lahar flows.