Attachments
I. Situation Overview
As of 27 June 2024, Alert Level 2 is maintained over Kanlaon Volcano.
On 08 June 2024, an elevated volcanic SO2 gas flux was observed at the Kanlaon Volcano. Volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emission from the summit crater of Kanlaon based on campaign Flyspec measurements on 08 June 2024, averaged 4,397 tonnes/day. This is the highest emission this year measured by campaign survey and the second highest land-based measurement for Kanlaon. The volcano has been degassing increased concentrations of volcanic SO2 this year at an average rate of 1,458 tonnes/day, but emission since the 3 June 2024 eruption has been particularly elevated at a current average of 3,347 tonnes/day. In addition, above background volcanic earthquake has persisted at an average of 33 events/day since the eruption. Ground deformation data from continuous GPS and electronic tilt measurements have been recording medium-term inflation of the Kanlaon edifice since March 2022 and a shorter-term inflation of the eastern flank since 2023, indicating slow pressurization within the volcano. The overall monitoring parameters indicate that degassing of magma may be driving current unrest, causing increased volcanic gas emission, swelling of the edifice and occasional volcanic earthquake activity.
On 03 June 2024 at 8:00 PM, Alert Level 2 was raised from Alert Level 1 for Kanlaon Volcano after a moderately explosive eruption occurred at the summit crater at 6:51 PM. The event was recorded as an E-type earthquake that lasted six (6) minutes based on seismic data and produced a five (5) kilometer-high voluminous eruption plume. All ten (10) seismic stations, three (3) infrasound stations and two (2) visual monitors of the Kanlaon Volcano Network (KVN) recorded the explosion. Thermal camera monitors showed material collapsing from the incandescent plume forming Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) that descended the southern slopes to a distance of two (2) to three (3) kilometers. Incandescent ballistic ejecta was also observed to rain down from the eruption plume. Rumbling sounds generated by the eruption were heard in La Castellana and La Carlota City, Negros Occidental and Canlaon City, Negros Oriental. Coarse ashfall reportedly fell upon barangays of these same areas and Bago City, Negros Occidental. Sulfurous odors were also experienced by residents in these areas as well as in Kanlaon Volcano Observatory-La Carlota City (KVO-LCC) and as far away as Murcia, Negros Occidental and Bacolod City.
The public is strongly advised to be vigilant and avoid the four (4) kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) to minimize risks from volcanic hazards such as pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, rockfall and others. In case of ash fall events that may affect communities downwind of Kanlaon’s crater, people should cover their nose and mouth with a damp, clean cloth or dust mask. Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash and ballistic fragments from sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft. Communities living beside river systems on the southern and western slopes, especially those that have already experienced lahars and muddy streamflows, are advised to take precautionary measures when heavy rainfall over the volcano has been forecast or has begun.
Source: DOST-PHIVOLCS Kanlaon Volcano Bulletin
II. Status of Affected Areas and Population
A total of 15,815 families or 50,977 persons are affected in 23 barangays in Regions VI and VII (see Annex A).