MANILA, Philippines – The sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission of Negros Island’s Kanlaon Volcano soared to an average of 11,556 tons per day on Wednesday, September 11, a record high for the second straight day.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said in an advisory that Wednesday’s figure is now Kanlaon’s highest recorded SO2 emission “since instrumental gas monitoring began.”
It surpassed the 9,985 tons per day recorded on Tuesday, September 10.
The volcano’s SO2 emission has been elevated all year, averaging 1,273 tons per day before its June 3 eruption and 3,565 tons per day since the eruption.
When the volcano is not in a state of unrest, the typical emission is less than 300 tons per day.
Phivolcs said “sulfuric fumes” were again reported on Wednesday, particularly in the following barangays:
- Masulog and Pula in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental
- San Miguel in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental
- Codcod in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
- Inolingan in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental
“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.
Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 2, but it could be raised to Alert Level 3 if the unrest worsens further. Alert levels range from 0 (normal) to 5 (hazardous eruption in progress).
Phivolcs said entry into the 4-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone around the volcano should still be prohibited “to minimize risks from volcanic hazards such as pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, rockfall, and others.”
Ashfall and lahar flows remain possible as well. – Rappler.com