Kanlaon Volcano Emits Weak Ash Plume

BACOLOD CITY – A weak ash emission was recorded from Kanlaon Volcano on Saturday, prompting renewed warnings from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) as the volcano remains under Alert Level 3.

The emission produced a grayish-white plume that rose approximately 500 meters above the crater, according to PHIVOLCS.

The event was captured by the agency’s thermal camera at the Lower Masulog observation station (VKLM) in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.

“This observation reflects continued moderate and magmatic unrest at Kanlaon Volcano,” PHIVOLCS said in its latest advisory.

PHIVOLCS maintains Alert Level 3, which indicates that the volcano is in a relatively high level of unrest and that hazardous eruption is possible within weeks or even days.

The agency previously recorded 10 volcanic earthquakes on March 15 and measured sulfur dioxide emissions of 2,639 tonnes on March 9.

These signs of volcanic activity suggest that magma is shallow and volatile-rich beneath the surface.

Communities surrounding the volcano are on heightened alert, with PHIVOLCS strongly advising the public to stay out of the volcano’s 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).

Residents living within six kilometers of the crater are also advised to evacuate as a precautionary measure.

Kanlaon, one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, straddles the provinces of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental.

Its last significant eruption occurred in December 2017, with minor eruptions and volcanic earthquakes continuing intermittently since then.

Local government units have been coordinating with disaster management agencies to ensure community safety and readiness.

Canlaon City and nearby municipalities have been reminded to update evacuation plans and prepare contingency measures in the event of an explosive eruption.

PHIVOLCS said the public should remain vigilant and avoid false information, emphasizing the importance of relying only on official updates.

The volcano’s unrest comes as part of a broader uptick in volcanic activity across the Philippines, which lies within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a seismically active belt known for frequent earthquakes and eruptions.

There are 24 active volcanoes in the country, and Kanlaon is closely monitored due to its proximity to densely populated areas.

PHIVOLCS said it will continue to provide updates as new data becomes available from its observation networks and satellite monitoring.