Kanlaon shows signs of heightened volcanic activity

National

SUPERHEATED gas from the summit of Kanlaon Volcano was detected, raising concerns about a possible explosive eruption, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Mari Andylene Quintia, a resident volcanologist at the Kanlaon Observatory in La Carlota City, said in an Inquirer.net report that thermal cameras recorded the gas emissions on Wednesday evening between 6:41 p.m. and 7:13 p.m.

These emissions are usually observed at night because they cannot be seen by the naked eye.

Quintia explained that similar gas releases may also be happening during the day, but remain invisible without heat-detecting equipment. Such activity is considered a warning sign that an eruption could occur.

She said the same type of superheated gas was observed before Kanlaon erupted in December 2024, as well as in May and October 2025. This suggests that magma below the volcano may be moving upward and getting closer to the surface.

Phivolvs has also recorded clusters of volcanic earthquakes at Kanlaon earlier this month, adding to signs of unrest, the report added.

As a precaution, authorities are urging the public to strictly observe the four-kilometer permanent danger zone around the volcano to avoid possible harm.(Adriane Josef E. Cabase, USJ-R Comm Intern)