This is a notice of elevated volcanic SO₂ gas flux at Kanlaon Volcano.

Volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO₂) gas emission from the summit crater of Kanlaon based on campaign Flyspec measurements today, 8 June 2024, averaged 4,397 tonnes/day. This is the highest emission this year measured by campaign survey and the second highest land-based measurement for Kanlaon.  The volcano has been degassing increased concentrations of volcanic SO₂ this year at an average rate of 1,458 tonnes/day, but emission since the 3 June 2024 eruption has been particularly elevated at a current average of 3,347 tonnes/day. In addition, above background volcanic earthquake has persisted at an average of 33 events/day since  the eruption.  Ground deformation data from continuous GPS and electronic tilt measurements have been recording medium-term inflation of the Kanlaon edifice since March 2022 and a shorter-term inflation of the eastern flank since 2023, indicating slow pressurization within the volcano. The overall monitoring parameters indicate that degassing of magma may be driving current unrest, causing increased volcanic gas emission, swelling of the edifice and occasional volcanic earthquake activity.

The public is reminded that Alert Level 2 prevails over Kanlaon. This means that there is current unrest driven by shallow magmatic processes that could eventually lead to explosive eruptions at the summit crater. The public is strongly advised to be vigilant and avoid the four (4) kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) to minimize risks from volcanic hazards such as pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, rockfall and others. 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 and ballistic fragments from sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft. Communities living beside river systems on the southern and western slopes, especially those that have already experienced lahars and muddy streamflows, are advised to take precautionary measures when heavy rainfall over the volcano has been forecast or has begun. DOST-PHIVOLCS maintains close monitoring of Kanlaon Volcano and any new development will be immediately communicated to all concerned stakeholders.

DOST-PHIVOLCS