Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Occidental erupted on Tuesday morning, and local authorities have since issued evacuation orders for residents in the surrounding areas.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the eruption, which began at 5:51 AM, sent ash plumes soaring up to four kilometers above the ground.
In a DZRH interview, PHIVOLCS Dr. Teresito Bacolcol explained that the eruption likely resulted from a blockage in the volcano’s crater, causing a buildup of pressure that eventually led to the explosion.
While this eruption is significant, Bacolcol clarified that it is not as intense as previous eruptions, such as the one on 3 June last year, when ash plumes reached five kilometers.
PHIVOLCS has established a six-kilometer danger zone around the volcano. Authorities are keeping a close watch for any signs of rapid magma ascent, which could lead to a more intense eruption and a possible increase in alert levels.
Ashfall-affected areas
Irene Bel Ploteña, the head of the Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), reported that ashfall has been observed in the towns of La Castellana and La Carlota.
In response, local officials have declared class suspensions in several barangays, including Yubo, Ara-al, San Miguel, and Haguimit. Additionally, San Carlos City has temporarily suspended all activities within an eight-kilometer radius of Kanlaon Volcano.
Ploteña also mentioned that more than 5,000 people have been evacuated from the affected areas, with shelters set up to accommodate evacuees.
The provincial government has been working closely with national agencies to ensure the safety of residents, providing essential supplies such as face masks to protect against ashfall.
Despite the ongoing eruption, Bacolcol reassured the public that the situation is being carefully monitored.
"We are prepared for all scenarios, and we are ready to raise or lower the alert level depending on how the situation unfolds," he said in Filipino. "For now, we maintain alert level 3 and urge residents to remain cautious."