Alert Level 2 remains over Mount Kanlaon

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) urged residents to remain calm but vigilant following Mount Kanlaon’s eruption on Friday night as volcanic activity continues.

According to PHIVOLCS, Alert Level 2 remains in effect over Kanlaon, signifying “increased unrest.” From 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday, the agency recorded three moderate phreatic (steam-driven) eruptions, each lasting about two minutes and producing ash plumes up to 300 meters high.

PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol advised the public not to panic but to stay prepared, assuring that authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

“Be vigilant kung magtuloy-tuloy ‘yung activity, kapag dumadami ‘yung volcanic earthquakes, tuloy-tuloy ‘yung pagbuga ng abo, o tumataas ‘yung sulfur dioxide emission, we will immediately raise it from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 3,” Bacolcol said in an interview with DZMM.

He emphasized that the current activity remains moderate and mostly steam-driven, with no clear signs of magma movement, significant ground swelling, or a sharp increase in volcanic gas emissions.

“The data shows that the activity remains moderate and mostly steam-ridden. Wala pa ‘yung signs of magma rising, no strong ground swelling, no surge in sulfur dioxide emissions,” he explained.

Dr. Bacolcol also gave updates on other monitored volcanoes, noting that Taal, Mayon, and Bulusan all remain under Alert Level 1, showing either no significant activity or only a few volcanic earthquakes in the past 24 hours.

Meanwhile, PHIVOLCS warned that rainfall over Kanlaon’s slopes could trigger lahar or mudflows, although no such incidents have been reported so far.

Bacolcol reiterated the importance of observing safety measures:
“The most important thing is to stay calm and alert. Please keep away from the permanent danger zones.”

He also reminded residents to take precautions against ashfall.
“If ashfall reaches your area, manatili sa bahay, isara ang bintana, at magsuot ng mask o basang tela upang hindi malanghap ang abo. Higit sa lahat, makinig lamang sa opisyal na advice mula sa aming tanggapan,” he said.

Mount Kanlaon, located between Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. It last had a significant eruption in June 2024, prompting temporary evacuations in nearby communities.