The volcanic gas emissions at Kanlaon Volcano have decreased but the possibility of an eruption still remains, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Monday, July 1.
The volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emission from the summit crater of Kanlaon dropped from 5,397 tons, its highest recorded level, on Friday to 3,007 tons, Mari-Andylene Quintia, Phivolcs resident volcanologist based in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, said.
The normal volcanic sulfur dioxide gas emission of Kanlaon is 300 tons a day, so 3,007 tons is still high, she reiterated.
There were five volcanic earthquakes at Kanlaon and its volcanic edifice remains inflated, Phivolcs also reported on Monday.
A steam-driven or phreatic eruption or one similar to the June 3 explosive eruption could still occur at Kanlaon because its magmatic gas level is still high, Quintia said.
The volcano remains under alert level 2 or increased unrest, she said.
Entry into 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) at Kanlaon is strictly prohibited, she stressed. *