BACOLOD City – A sudden eruption of Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island startled residents yesterday afternoon, with a loud explosion echoing across nearby areas.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the explosive eruption occurred at 3:03 p.m., releasing a massive ash plume and triggering pyroclastic flows.
Kanlaon Volcano, a stratovolcano standing at 2,465 meters above sea level, straddles the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. Known as the highest peak in the Visayas, it is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines.
According to PHIVOLCS, the eruption produced an ash column that soared 3,000 meters above the summit and drifted west-southwest.
Pyroclastic density currents cascaded down the southeastern slopes of the volcano, as confirmed by thermal camera monitoring.
In response, Kanlaon Volcano has been placed under Alert Level 3, indicating a high level of volcanic unrest. This status reflects sustained increases in volcanic earthquakes, perceptible tremors, and forceful ash emissions.
PHIVOLCS warned of the potential for dome growth, lava flows, and rockfalls.
Several localities in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, including Moises Padilla, La Castellana, La Carlota City, Bago City, and Canlaon City, were affected by ashfall and seismic activity.
Moises Padilla’s Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo ordered the suspension of classes in all levels and initiated evacuation efforts in high-risk areas.
Local disaster risk reduction and management offices activated the Incident Command System to oversee evacuation and response operations.
Authorities also advised residents in affected areas to wear face masks to minimize exposure to ashfall.
Kanlaon’s latest eruption follows its previous activity on June 3, 2024. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to advisories from local authorities and PHIVOLCS as monitoring of the volcano continues.
Kanlaon has over 30 recorded eruptions since 1819. Its most violent eruption in recent history occurred in August 1996, when a sudden explosion killed three climbers and injured 18 others./PN
