The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Tuesday, Oct. 29, warned of elevated volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emissions from the summit crater of Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island.
Its SO2 gas emission averaged 10,074 tons on Monday, the 5th highest emission from the volcano recorded since instrumental gas monitoring began, Mari-Andylene Quintia, Phivolcs resident volcanologist at the Kanlaon Volcano Observatory, said.
Sulfuric fumes were reported in Brgy. Masulog and Canlaon City proper and, to a lesser degree, in barangays Panubigan and Binalbagan also in Canlaon, she said.
There were no reports of sulfuric fumes on the Negros Occidental side as the wind was blowing towards the eastern side of the volcano, she said.
There was also no report of lahar flow despite the rains as the volcanic debris from Kanlaon’s eruption in June had already been washed out, Quintia said.
Kanlaon has been degassing increased concentrations of volcanic SO2 this year at an average rate of 1,273 tons/day prior to the June 3 eruption, but emissions since then have been particularly elevated at a current average of 4,210 tons/day, she said.
Prolonged exposure to volcanic SO2, especially in communities within direct reach of accumulation from plumes during low wind conditions, can cause irritation of the eyes, throat and respiratory tract, a PHIVOLCS advisory issued 10 p.m. Monday also said.
People who may be particularly sensitive are those with health conditions such as asthma, lung disease and heart disease, the elderly, pregnant women and children, it said.
It advised residents of communities that can be affected by volcanic SO2 to avoid outdoor activities, and to wear N95 facemasks.
The public is reminded that Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest) prevails over Kanlaon, but that current activity may lead to eruptive unrest and an increase in the alert level, Phivolcs said.
The public is strongly advised to be ready and vigilant, and to avoid entry into the four kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone to minimize risks from volcanic hazards such as pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, rockfall and others, Phivolcs said.
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, it said.*