Phivolcs: Kanlaon’s explosive eruption due to gas pressure

UNREST. A thick plume generated by Mt. Kanlaon’s eruption on Tuesday morning (April 8, 2025). Phivolcs said the volcano’s explosive eruption was a result of gas pressure. (Screengrab via Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST)/Facebook)

MANILA – Kanlaon Volcano’s explosive eruption from 5:51 to 6:47 a.m. Tuesday 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,” Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.

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, 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.

AFP ready for Kanlaon unrest

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the military is prepared to respond to Kanlaon’s latest unrest.

Brawner made this assurance following his visit to 303rd Infantry Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division at Camp Gerona in Murcia, Negros Oriental on Monday.

“Accompanied by Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division; and Brig. Gen. Ted Dumosmog, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade; Gen. Brawner encouraged military personnel to stay mission-focused and remain committed to national security and disaster response efforts,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement.

He also said the visit underscored the AFP’s continued vigilance and readiness to swiftly mobilize in the face of natural disasters, ensuring both the safety of citizens and the stability of the region.

Trinidad added the AFP stands fully prepared to assist in any necessary evacuation, relief operations, and other humanitarian efforts in response to potential emergencies.