DUMAGUETE CITY – Mt. Kanlaon remains active, emitting steam and sulfur dioxide (SO₂), following an eruption four days ago, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Andylene Quintia, Phivolcs resident volcanologist stationed in La Carlota, Negros Occidental, shared in an interview that the steam plume observed by residents in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, and surrounding areas is a common phenomenon following a volcanic eruption.
“We have observed continuous degassing since the eruption, with the volcano releasing a white plume of steam and sulfur dioxide, possibly intensified by rainfall,” Quintia stated.
Degassing involves the release of pressure from magma within the volcano.
Quintia emphasized that no new or fresh plumes have been detected, noting that the current activity mirrors the eruption that occurred on Monday.
On Thursday, the plume extended up to 2,000 meters into the atmosphere. By Friday (07 June 2024), it had decreased to around 1,000 meters and was partially obscured by cloud cover, Quintia added.
Phivolcs has maintained Alert Level 2 (indicating increasing unrest) for the area.
In response to the situation, Canlaon City has lifted the work suspension order for government and private offices.
Currently, 81 families, comprising 262 individuals, are sheltered in evacuation centers where they are receiving food packs, hygiene kits, kitchen supplies, sleeping kits, and face masks, according to an update from Canlaon City’s official social media page.
(el Amigo/mnm)