Authorities monitor possible Kanlaon eruption after ash emission

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Authorities are closely monitoring Kanlaon Volcano after ash emissions were observed early Tuesday morning, Jan. 6, raising concerns over a possible explosive event, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

PHIVOLCS-Kanlaon Volcano Observatory in La Carlota City reported that ash emission activity was recorded from about 5:55 a.m. until around 9 a.m., lasting nearly three hours.

Resident volcanologist Mari-Andylene Quintia said cloud cover during the episode obscured the volcano’s summit and crater, limiting direct visual assessment of the activity.

Quintia said the ash emission was relatively prolonged but thin and not dense.

She explained that while the event did not resemble a full-scale eruption, it was comparable to previous ash emission episodes recorded at Kanlaon.

Quintia warned that even light ash emissions can pose risks, especially when accompanied by strong winds.

She said volcanic ash may travel long distances and could potentially result in ashfall in nearby areas, including Bago City and La Carlota City.

As of Tuesday, however, no reports or confirmations of ashfall had been received from affected local government units.

A similar ash emission was recorded on Jan. 3, but monitoring personnel noted that Tuesday’s activity lasted longer, prompting heightened concern among volcanologists and disaster risk officials.

Kanlaon Volcano, one of the country’s most active volcanoes, is known for sudden phreatic and explosive eruptions.

In December, a series of phreatic eruptions sent ash columns several kilometers into the air, prompting authorities to raise alert levels and enforce evacuations in communities within the volcano’s danger zones.

Ashfall from those eruptions affected several areas across Negros Island, disrupting classes, transportation, and agricultural activities.

Volcanologists said the December eruptions were preceded by intermittent ash emissions, increased seismic activity, and elevated gas output, patterns considered key precursors to explosive events.

PHIVOLCS has repeatedly warned that Kanlaon is capable of sudden explosion with little to no warning, a hallmark of phreatic eruptions driven by steam pressure rather than magma movement.

Experts said the possibility of another explosive eruption remains, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring.

Government agencies continue to track seismic activity, gas emissions, and surface observations for any signs of escalating unrest.

Residents near Kanlaon, particularly those within the permanent danger zone, were urged to remain vigilant, avoid restricted areas, and strictly follow advisories issued by authorities.

Local disaster response teams have been placed on standby in case conditions worsen.