Kanlaon keeps showing unrest

Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island remains in a state of unrest, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reporting volcanic activity over a 24-hour period from 12 a.m. Friday to Saturday 12 a.m. 

According to Phivolcs, Kanlaon recorded 10 volcanic earthquakes and emitted 1,714 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on 14 March. It also released moderate plumes reaching up to 100 meters before drifting southwest, while its edifice remained inflated, implying an ongoing pressure buildup beneath its surface. 

Phivolcs noted continuous degassing activity, including ash emissions. Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 3 or intensified unrest, with its last eruption on 9 December 2024. 

Authorities have maintained a six-kilometer radius within the summit. Residents near the area are also advised of the following hazards: sudden explosive eruption, lava flow, ashfall, pyroclastic density current, rockfall and lahars during heavy rain. 

With the volcano’s prolonged unrest, La Castellana, Negros Occidental Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan has requested P47 million from the national government to sustain continuous evacutation expenses on Friday. She reported that around P300,000 is spent for providing more than 4,000 evacuees with meals. 

To date, seven evacuation centers across the town are housing 4,244 evacuees from 1,362 families.