Kanlaon Volcano’s explosive eruption from 5:51 to 6:47 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, was a result of gas pressure, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported.
“Sulfur dioxide emissions have been low prior to the eruption. Volcanic earthquakes were also few, just 16 for the past 48 hours. This indicates pressure beneath (the volcano) because of gas,” said PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol.
The pressure caused the volcano to erupt, he continued.
“An explosive eruption is a type of volcanic eruption that is highly violent and powerful, caused by the rapid release of gas and pressure from magma beneath the earth’s surface,” Bacolcol said.
Ash columns, gases and ashes, and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) are present during explosive eruptions.
According to Bacolcol, Kanlaon’s sulfur dioxide emission averaged 1,655 tons on Monday, April 7, and 1,419 tons last April 6.
Meanwhile, Bacolcol said that Phivolcs received reports of a sulfuric smell in Brgy, Cubay, La Carlota City.
PDCs only descended the slopes on the southern edifice.
Asked if there is a possibility to raise Kanlaon’s alert level, Bacolcol said that level 3 (magmatic unrest) is maintained for now.
According to Phivolcs context, alert Level 3 signifies that a volcano is exhibiting “magmatic eruption” with a potential for further explosive eruptions and that hazardous eruptions could occur within weeks.PNA/IMT
