Moderately Explosive Eruption at Mount Kanlaon
Early Tuesday morning, a moderately explosive eruption occurred at the summit crater of Mount Kanlaon. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded the event at 2:55 a.m., noting it lasted about five minutes based on seismic and infrasound data.
The eruption produced a large gray plume that soared approximately 4.5 kilometers above the crater before drifting southwest. Nearby residents in Barangay Pula, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, and La Castellana, Negros Occidental reported hearing loud rumbling sounds during the event.
Volcanic Hazards and Effects Observed
PHIVOLCS observed incandescent pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) flowing down the southern slopes, reaching up to two kilometers from the crater rim. These glowing currents were confirmed through visual and thermal camera monitoring. Additionally, large ballistic fragments were hurled several hundred meters around the crater, causing fires in the surrounding vegetation near the volcano’s summit.
Areas Affected by Ashfall
Thin layers of volcanic ash settled in several barangays within Negros Occidental, including:
– La Carlota City: Barangays Cubay, San Miguel, Yubo, and Ara-al
– Bago City: Barangays Ilijan and Binubuhan
– La Castellana: Barangays Biak-Na-Bato, Sag-ang, and Mansalanao
Ongoing Alert and Safety Precautions
PHIVOLCS maintains Alert Level 3 over Kanlaon, indicating magmatic unrest. This alert signals increased chances of short-lived, moderately explosive eruptions that could produce life-threatening volcanic hazards. Authorities advise that the mandatory six-kilometer radius around the volcano’s summit remain evacuated to ensure public safety.
Residents and visitors are urged to stay updated on developments and follow official guidance. For more details, visit Filipinokami.com.
The recent moderately explosive eruption at Mount Kanlaon highlights the volcano’s ongoing activity and the importance of vigilance among nearby communities.