NEGROS Occidental – A moderately explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Thursday evening, February 26, has displaced 23 families or 81 individuals in Negros Occidental, while ashfall and sulfuric odors were reported in at least 16 local government units (LGUs), authorities said.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said the eruption occurred at 7:04 p.m. and lasted about two minutes based on seismic and infrasound records. A dense ash plume rose approximately 2,500 meters above the summit crater before drifting southwest.
Incandescent ballistic fragments fell around the crater, while pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) descended the eastern and southeastern upper slopes within two kilometers of the summit.
Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 2, indicating a moderate level of unrest and the possibility of further short-lived explosive eruptions, ash emissions, and related hazards. Entry into the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) remains strictly prohibited.
PHIVOLCS also reported that PDCs from the upper slopes ignited a forest fire in the municipality of La Castellana. Residents in nearby communities reported hearing a loud explosion and feeling slight ground shaking.
Based on the 11 a.m. report of the Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) on February 27, 23 families or 81 individuals were displaced across two LGUs. Of these, 23 families (81 persons) were staying in evacuation centers, while one family with two individuals remained outside formal shelters.
In La Carlota City, barangays Ara-al, Yubo, and San Miguel were affected, displacing 21 families or 68 individuals. Two evacuation centers accommodated 19 families (64 persons), while two families (four individuals) stayed outside. In La Castellana, barangays Camandag and Sag-ang recorded 10 displaced families (41 individuals), all housed in two evacuation centers.
Ashfall, sulfuric odors, and ground vibrations were reported in several areas. In Bago City, Barangay Binubuhan experienced sulfuric odor without ashfall. Binalbagan logged ground shaking in Barangay Enclaro and light to moderate ashfall in barangays San Juan and San Jose.
La Carlota reported sulfuric smells and vibrations in Barangay Ara-al, prompting evacuations, while light ashfall in parts of Yubo led to additional relocations. La Castellana experienced moderate to heavy ashfall in Camandag and Sag-ang, triggering evacuations in Sag-ang.
Other LGUs that reported ashfall or sulfuric odors included Moises Padilla, San Carlos City, Hinigaran, Isabela, Himamaylan City, Pontevedra, Kabankalan City, Ilog, Cauayan, Candoni, Sipalay City, and Hinoba-an. Local governments implemented emergency measures such as distributing face masks and providing potable water to affected residents.
As a precaution, classes were suspended on February 27 in 12 LGUs. Full suspension was enforced in Binalbagan, La Castellana, Isabela, Hinigaran, Ilog, Candoni, Kabankalan, Moises Padilla, Himamaylan, and Murcia (Barangay Minoyan). Partial suspension was implemented in Pontevedra (Barangays Pandan and Camingawan Antipolo) and La Carlota (elementary and high school levels in San Miguel, Ara-al, and Yubo).
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and have urged residents in ashfall-affected areas to remain vigilant, follow official advisories, and take necessary health precautions./PN
