By Brian Campued
Authorities advised residents in Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental to be cautious of possible ashfall emitted by Kanlaon Volcano after it erupted Thursday afternoon.
In a Facebook post, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said ash from Kanlaon was observed to have been spewed in the southwest direction at around 4:45 p.m.
“Manatili pong naka-alerto, laging mag-ingat, at sumunod sa paalala at babala ng mga awtoridad,” the OCD stressed.
A “moderately explosive eruption” was recorded at the summit crater of Kanlaon Volcano, which occurred at 4:38 p.m. and lasted for two minutes, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
“This event generated a dark gray eruption plume that rose 2,000 meters above the crater before drifting southwest. Pyroclastic density currents or PDCs descended the southern and southwestern upper slopes within 1 kilometer of the summit crater as recorded by the IP cameras of the Kanlaon Volcano Network,” Phivolcs said.
Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 2, indicating increased unrest.
Phivolcs likewise reminded the public that entry into the 4-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone is strictly prohibited.
The Department of Health (DOH) – Negros Island Region (NIR) urged the public to wear masks, close doors and windows, and stay hydrated amid ashfall.
The volcano last erupted on Oct. 24, 2025, affecting several communities in NIR.
-jpv
