Kanlaon Volcano emits ash twice as PHIVOLCS goes on alert

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Kanlaon Volcano exhibited renewed activity early Monday, October 20, with two distinct ash emissions observed by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

Ruth Asentista, Project Technical Aide VI at the PHIVOLCS Kanlaon Volcano Observatory in La Carlota City, told reporters in a phone interview that the first ash emission occurred between 7:28 a.m. and 7:38 a.m., producing a grayish plume about 300 meters above the summit that drifted eastward.

A second and more sustained emission was recorded from 9:20 a.m. to 10:54 a.m., generating a similar ash plume about 300 meters high and dispersing fine ash toward the eastern to north-northeastern sectors of the volcano.

Asentista said PHIVOLCS personnel are actively monitoring areas downwind for possible ashfall and will conduct sampling immediately once reports of ash deposition are received from nearby communities.

At present, Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 2, which indicates moderate volcanic unrest.

This means the volcano is exhibiting increased activity that could potentially lead to phreatic, or steam-driven, eruptions or even magmatic activity.

PHIVOLCS reiterated its warning against entering the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone due to the continuing threat of sudden explosions, rockfalls, and toxic volcanic gases.

Kanlaon Volcano last erupted on June 3, 2024, in a short but powerful phreatic explosion that lasted about six minutes.

That eruption produced a volcanic plume reaching up to 5,000 meters above the summit and caused light ashfall in nearby areas, including La Castellana, Canlaon City, and parts of Bago City.

The event prompted temporary evacuations, flight cancellations, and class suspensions in several localities.