Increased volcanic activity at Kanlaon, Taal

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported 11 volcanic earthquakes and significant emissions of plumes from Kanlaon Volcano, located in the north-central part of Negros Island, on Saturday, 11 January.

According to the bulletin issued by Phivolcs, the volcano released a total of 5,763 tons of sulfur dioxide beginning 10 January with plumes also rising to 1,000 meters tall before drifting southeast, southern metro, and south-southwest. 

An advisory issued at 2 p.m. on Saturday highlighted noticeable swelling in the middle to upper part of the eastern side of the volcano, which has been observed by the Kanlaon Volcano Network since Friday.

Phivolcs warned of potential hazards including sudden explosive eruption, lava flow, ashfall, pyroclastic density current (PDC), rockfall and lahars during heavy rains. 

The Office of Civil Defense and Task Force Kanlaon reminded evacuees that returning home remains unsafe. Alert Level 3, indicating magmatic unrest, is still in effect for Kanlaon, and communities within a six-kilometer radius of the summit crater must remain evacuated.

Meanwhile, in Batangas, Taal Volcano experienced a phreatic eruption on Friday, 10 January at 11:51 p.m. The eruption lasted for three minutes and produced a 900-meter-tall plume that drifted southwest. 

A phreatic eruption happens when volcanic heat causes water to turn into steam, resulting in a sudden, explosive release of pressure.

Phivolcs bulletin also reported that Taal emitted 5,868 tons of sulfur dioxide last 8 January. Alert Level 1 is raised over Taal. Phivolcs stressed that entering the Taal Volcano Island, considered a permanent danger zone, and flying any aircraft near the crater is prohibited. 

They also warned of possible hazards that may occur such as stream or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas.