Kanlaon Volcano Erupts, Ash Plume Rises 2.5 km Over Central Philippines
One of the Philippines’ most active volcanoes roared to life on Thursday evening, sending a thick ash column 2,500 metres (1.5 miles) into the night sky and prompting warnings of possible stronger eruptions in the coming days.
The two-minute eruption at Mount Kanlaon began at 7:04 p.m. (1104 GMT), according to Teresito Bacolcol, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
“There might be a bigger explosive eruption in the next few days,” Bacolcol said, noting that this was the second moderate eruption within a week.
Ashfall, Loud Blast Reported
In a statement, PHIVOLCS said the eruption generated a plume that rose 2,500 metres above the crater before drifting southwest. Incandescent volcanic fragments were also observed falling around the crater.
Residents in nearby communities reported hearing a loud explosion shortly before ash began descending.
“Tonight, we heard a sudden, loud boom, then after a few minutes, people started reporting ashfall in their areas,” said local rescuer John De Asis from the town of La Castellana. Authorities began distributing face masks as a precaution.
Alert Level Under Review
Mount Kanlaon, one of 24 active volcanoes in the Philippines, currently remains under Alert Level 2 on the country’s five-tier warning system. Officials said they would monitor activity over the next 24 hours before deciding whether to raise it to Level 3.
Bacolcol explained that gas pressure may have built up inside the volcano’s vent, possibly due to a blockage. Recent low sulfur dioxide emissions had hinted at such a scenario, increasing the risk of sudden explosive activity.
A four-kilometre permanent danger zone remains in place around the volcano, which straddles Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental provinces.
Part of the ‘Ring of Fire’
The Philippines sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a seismically active belt where more than half of the world’s volcanoes are located. The country’s most devastating modern eruption was that of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, which killed over 800 people and caused widespread global climatic effects.
Authorities continue to monitor Kanlaon closely amid fears of further escalation.
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