Kanlaon Volcano erupts, ashfall reported in Negros Occidental communities

A moderately explosive eruption from Mount Kanlaon was recorded early Sunday evening, sending a towering ash plume thousands of meters into the sky and prompting monitoring from disaster response agencies.

According to monitoring reports from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the Office of the Civil Defense — Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR), the eruption occurred between 6:07 p.m. and 6:08 p.m. on March 15. The event produced a plume that rose approximately 16,404 feet or about 5,000 meters above the volcano, drifting toward the southeast to northeast direction.

Shortly after the eruption, continuous ash emission was observed starting at 6:09 p.m. and remained ongoing as of the latest monitoring. The ash column maintained an estimated height of about 5,000 meters while moving along the same southeast to northeast trajectory.

Local authorities reported ashfall in several communities in Negros Occidental. In Moises Padilla town, ashfall was recorded in Barangay Odiong. Additional ashfall was also reported in multiple barangays in La Castellana, including Mansalanao, Cabagnaan, Cabacungan, Camandag, Manghanoy, and Biak Na Bato.

Residents in other areas reported the presence of a sulfuric odor linked to volcanic activity. The smell was noted in Barangay Mailum in La Carlota City and Barangay Codcod in San Carlos City. As of reporting time, authorities said there were no areas where both ashfall and sulfuric smell were simultaneously reported.

Despite the eruption and ash emission, airport operations in the province remain normal. Authorities confirmed that there were no flight cancellations at Bacolod–Silay International Airport.

Disaster response agencies are also verifying reports of a forest fire within the four-kilometer permanent danger zone surrounding the volcano.

The Office of Civil Defense in the Negros Island Region said it remains in close coordination with PHIVOLCS and concerned local government units to monitor developments and gather updates from affected communities. Coordination was also conducted with aviation authorities to ensure flight safety following the eruption.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as volcanic activity from Mount Kanlaon persists.