Superheated gas emissions have been detected at the crater of Kanlaon Volcano, on the island of Negros, a possible precursor to an explosive eruption, a volcanologist said.
Mari Andylene Quintia, resident volcanologist at the Kanlaon Observatory in La Carlota City, said heat-sensitive cameras recorded the latest emission on Wednesday evening.
She said night-time emissions of superheated gas from Kanlaon have been frequently captured by thermal cameras, as these cannot be seen with the naked eye.
She said such emissions could be a precursor or an indication of an impending explosive eruption.
Quintia noted superheated gas was detected too prior to Kanlaon’s eruptions in December 2024 and in May and October 2025.
The presence of superheated gas indicates that magma beneath the volcano may be rising and nearing the crater, she said.
She also pointed out that earthquake swarms were recorded at the volcano in January.
For these reasons, the 4km permanent danger zone must be strictly enforced, Quintia said. — Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
