KANLAON VOLCANO BULLETIN

03 June 2024

8:00 PM

This serves as a notice of alert level raise from Alert Level 1 to Alert Level 2 of Kanlaon Volcano.

An explosive eruption occurred at the summit vent of Kanlaon Volcano at 6:51 PM today, 3 June 2024. The eruption produced a voluminous and incandescent plume that rapidly rose to 5,000 meters above the vent and probable short pyroclastic density currents or PDCs approximately 2-3 kilometers down the southern and southeastern slopes based on IP and thermal camera monitors. The eruption lasted six (6) minutes based on the seismic record and was preceded by a relatively strong volcano-tectonic earthquake. Reports of coarse ashfall and sulfurous odors have been reported in communities on western slopes of the volcano. As of present, only two weak volcanic earthquakes have been recorded. Kanlaon has been exhibiting above background earthquake activity for the past month and has been degassing relatively anomalous SO₂ that has averaged approximately 1,273 tonnes/day for the year.

In view thereof, DOST-PHIVOLCS is raising the Alert Level of Kanlaon Volcano from Alert Level 1 (abnormal) to Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest). This means that there is current unrest driven by shallow magmatic processes that could eventually lead to further explosive eruptions or even precede hazardous magmatic eruption. The public is strongly advised to be vigilant and avoid the four (4) kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) to minimize risks from sudden explosions, rockfall and landslides. 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 from any sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft. DOST-PHIVOLCS maintains close monitoring of Kanlaon Volcano and any new development will be communicated to all concerned stakeholders.

DOST-PHIVOLCS