Magma moves upward to Kanlaon crater

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) yesterday reported that magma in Kanlaon Volcano has risen to less than five kilometers from the crater.

Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol said they are closely monitoring the rise of magma, noting that the eastern side of the volcano is swollen – an indication that magma is accumulating near the crater.

Bacolcol said Alert Level 3, or magmatic unrest, still prevails over the volcano.

“The inflation is still on the eastern side of the volcano, and not in all its sides,” Bacolcol said.

State volcanologists noted a significant drop in sulfur dioxide emissions, from more than 4,000 tons in June last year to 2,183 tons on Sunday.

Bacolcol said Phivolcs also noted the absence of ash emissions since Feb. 7, an indication that the volcanic conduit is plugged, which may “result in pressure build-up that could trigger an explosion.”

Based on projections, three scenarios are possible at Kanlaon Volcano: slow rise of magma where the lava may overflow from the crater similar to what happened at Mt. Mayon last year; fast rise of magma and plugging of the volcanic conduit, which may result in strong eruption; and weakening of the magma movement.

Bacolcol said if the second scenario occurs, it will lead to hazardous pyroclastic density currents and the danger zone will be expanded up to 10 kilometers.

“Such volcanic activity will not last long as the release of magma from the volcano is very fast,” he said as he assured residents that Kanlaon is not yet in this scenario.