Kanlaon Volcano's seismic monitoring network recorded eighty-two (82) volcanic earthquakes, sixty one (61) of which are microearthquakes, during the past 24 hours. During times when the summit was visible, weak to moderate emission of white steam-laden plumes were observed rising to 200 to 700 meters from the summit before drifting southwest. Ground deformation data from continuous GPS measurements indicate slight inflation of the edifice since December 2015. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission was measured at an average of 644 tonnes/day on 25 December 2017.
Alert Level 2 status prevails over Kanlaon Volcano, which means that the volcano is undergoing a moderate level of unrest. There is probable intrusion of magma at depth which may or may not lead to a magmatic eruption. The local government units and the public are strictly reminded that entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited due to the further possibilities of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions. Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejecta from any sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Kanlaon Volcano’s activity and any new development will be relayed to all concerned.
