Mount Kanlaon, one of the Philippines’ most active volcanoes, released a significant ash plume early this morning, November 8, 2024. However, in an unusual twist, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that no seismic or infrasound signals were detected during the event.
At approximately 5:45 AM, PHIVOLCS shared close-up footage showing grayish plumes rising 750 meters above the volcano’s crater. The ash cloud drifted southwest, as observed by the Kanlaon Volcano Observatory’s telescopic camera in Canlaon City. Despite the visible emission of ash, which is typically a sign of volcanic activity, PHIVOLCS noted that there was no accompanying seismic activity — a key indicator often linked to magma movement or pressure buildup beneath the surface.
This lack of seismic signals is unusual for an ash emission event, as many eruptions are typically preceded by detectable tremors or underground rumblings. According to PHIVOLCS, this absence of seismic activity suggests that today’s ash release may not signal a larger eruption or significant change in the volcano’s behavior.
As of now, the agency has kept the alert level at Level 1, indicating that Mount Kanlaon remains in an abnormal state, though there is no immediate threat of a major eruption. Authorities have advised residents within a 4-kilometer radius of the volcano to remain vigilant for possible ashfall, while the public is reminded to stay informed through official advisories.
