MANILA, Philippines – Along with an increase in the number of earthquakes at Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island, state volcanologists also reported a record-breaking surge in sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission on Tuesday, September 10.
SO2 emission from Kanlaon Volcano averaged 9,985 tons per day on Tuesday — the highest recorded “since instrumental gas monitoring began,” according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Phivolcs also noted in an advisory early Tuesday evening that Kanlaon’s SO2 emission has been “particularly elevated” since its June 3 eruption, at a current average of 3,468 tons per day.
Even before the eruption in June, Kanlaon had already been “degassing increased concentrations of volcanic SO2 this year at an average rate of 1,273 tons per day.”
When the volcano is not in a state of unrest, the typical emission is less than 300 tons per day.
Phivolcs said “sulfuric odors” were reported in the following barangays on Tuesday:
- Ilijan in Bago City, Negros Occidental
- Ara-al and San Miguel in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental
- Masulog, Linothangan, and Pula in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental
“Prolonged exposure to volcanic SO2, especially of communities within direct reach of accumulation from plumes during low wind conditions, can cause irritation of the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract,” the agency warned.
People with respiratory and heart illnesses, the elderly, pregnant women, and children are most vulnerable to SO2.
Phivolcs reminded those in affected areas to stay indoors, shut doors and windows, use N95 face masks, drink plenty of water, and seek medical help if needed.
Earlier, the agency announced that at least 288 volcano-tectonic earthquakes were recorded at Kanlaon just on Tuesday.
The volcano has been under Alert Level 2 since its June eruption, but Phivolcs reiterated that “current activity may lead to eruptive unrest and an increase in the alert level.”
Alert levels range from 0 (normal) to 5 (hazardous eruption in progress).
“The public is strongly advised to be ready and vigilant, and to avoid entry into the 4-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone to minimize risks from volcanic hazards such as pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, rockfall, and others,” the agency said on Tuesday.
Ashfall and lahar flows remain possible as well. – Rappler.com