Mount Kanlaon erupted Monday afternoon and was promptly placed under Alert Level 3 by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), indicating a high level of volcanic unrest.
According to Phivolcs, the eruption produced a voluminous plume that rose up to four kilometers above the volcano’s vent, drifting west-southwest. The eruption lasted nearly four minutes just after 3 p.m.
Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) were observed on thermal cameras descending the southeastern slope of the volcano. PDCs are dangerous flows of hot ash, gas, and volcanic particles, capable of traveling at speeds of hundreds of meters per second.
Phivolcs advised local government units to evacuate the six-kilometer radius danger zone around the volcano’s summit.
In a press conference, Phivolcs reported ashfall in Bago, Murcia, Ara-al, and La Carlota in Negros Occidental. Additionally, PDC materials were observed in La Castellana.
With Kanlaon under Alert Level 3, authorities have warned of the potential for similar or stronger eruptions in the coming days. Phivolcs also cautioned about lahar, or muddy streamflows, which may occur due to heavy rains and thunderstorms.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has prepared food packs for residents of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental who may be affected by Kanlaon’s eruption.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian instructed regional directors in Regions 6 (Western Visayas) and 7 (Central Visayas) to coordinate with the affected local government units (LGUs).