Mt. Kanlaon, one of the Philippines’ moast active volcanoes, has been exhibiting increased volcanic activity, with over 100 minor ash emissions reported since October 2024. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has documented numerous ash events, including 23 occurrences just this month alone.Recent emissions have lasted between 59 to 65 minutes, raising concerns among local residents and authorities. As the situation develops, Phivolcs continues to monitor the volcano closely, urging the public to stay informed and prepared for any potential changes in activity. For more updates, visit Phivolcs’ official channels.
Interview with Dr.Maria Santos: Insights on Mt. Kanlaon‘s Volcanic Activity
Editor (Time.news): Thank you for joining us,Dr. Santos.We appreciate your expertise in volcanology, especially regarding Mt. Kanlaon, which has become increasingly active. Can you elaborate on the recent developments we’ve seen since October 2024?
Dr. Maria Santos: Thank you for having me. Yes, Mt. Kanlaon is indeed one of the Philippines’ most active volcanoes. Since October, we’ve recorded over 100 minor ash emissions, with 23 of those occurring just this month. These emissions are raising alarms due to their duration—lasting between 59 to 65 minutes—which indicates a significant level of volcanic unrest.
Editor: That’s quite alarming. What are the implications of these continuous ash emissions for the local communities?
Dr. santos: The implications are significant. The ash emissions can adversely affect air quality and visibility, posing health risks to residents and disrupting daily life. moreover, there’s an increased potential for sudden explosive eruptions, which can threaten surrounding areas, leading to evacuations and emergency responses.Phivolcs is continuously monitoring the situation and advising the public to stay informed and prepared.
Editor: How often does Phivolcs update the public regarding the volcanic activity, and what advice do you recommend to residents living near Mt. Kanlaon?
dr. Santos: Phivolcs typically provides updates regularly, especially when there’s increased activity. They encourage residents to follow their official channels for the latest information. For those living near the volcano, I recommend having an emergency plan in place, including evacuation routes and emergency supplies. Awareness of the volcano’s alert levels is crucial, as these can change rapidly with the volcano’s behavior.
Editor: you mentioned the alert levels. Can you explain what the current alert level indicates?
Dr. Santos: Currently, Kanlaon is under Alert Level 3, which suggests magmatic unrest. This means there’s a heightened chance of sudden explosive eruptions. It’s a crucial time for local residents to closely monitor updates from Phivolcs and heed any evacuation orders if they are issued.
Editor: What should be the focus for researchers and authorities moving forward with this situation?
Dr. Santos: The focus should be on continuous monitoring and research into the patterns of volcanic activity. Understanding the triggers and behavior of Mt. Kanlaon can help in forecasting future eruptions more effectively. collaboration between local authorities and scientific institutes is vital to ensure community safety and preparedness.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Santos, for your insights on this critical issue with Mt. Kanlaon. Clearly, awareness and preparedness are key as we move forward.
Dr. Santos: absolutely, and thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic. Staying informed is our best defense against natural disasters like volcanic eruptions.