The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has warned that Kanlaon Volcano may be raised to Alert Level 3 in the coming days due to increasing magmatic unrest. This warning comes after a crater glow, or "banaag," was observed at the volcano's summit on the evening of May 10, which continues or intensifies.
Crater Glow Indicates Rising Magma
According to PHIVOLCS, the crater glow is an indication that magma is close to the surface, which could lead to a stronger eruption. In an advisory issued on the morning of May 11, the agency said it has been intermittently detecting "invisible emissions" or superheated volcanic gas plumes from the volcano's crater at night. These have been observed using infrared and high-resolution camera monitoring since November 4, 2024.
First Observation of Incandescence
On Sunday night, incandescence at the summit due to superheated volcanic gas was observed for the first time. This phenomenon, called crater glow or banaag, is typically the beginning of a magmatic eruption, according to state volcanologists.
Current Restrictions
For now, entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone is strictly prohibited due to the threat of sudden eruption, ashfall, and pyroclastic density currents.
