The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported three ash emission events at Kanlaon Volcano early Saturday morning.
According to PHIVOLCS, the ash emissions occurred at the following times:
- 7:20 AM to 7:45 AM
- 8:05 AM to 8:14 AM
- 10:48 AM to 11:15 AM
Grayish ash plumes rose between 200 and 850 meters above the summit crater and drifted west and southwest. These emissions were captured by an IP camera at the VKMN monitoring station and the KVO-CC Observatory in Canlaon City.
Light ashfall was reported in Barangay Yubo, La Carlota City, Negros Occidental.
Alert Level 3 Still in Effect
Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, indicating increased magmatic unrest. PHIVOLCS reiterated that the six-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) must remain a no-entry zone. Aircraft are also advised to avoid flying near the volcano due to the hazards of ash emissions.
Potential Hazards
At Alert Level 3, Kanlaon poses the following risks:
- Sudden explosive eruptions
- Lava flows or effusion
- Ashfall
- Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs)
- Rockfalls
- Lahars, especially during heavy rains
The volcano’s last eruption on December 9, 2024, led to an escalation of its alert level from 2 to 3. In response, Negros Oriental declared a state of calamity.
Safety Measures
PHIVOLCS urges the public to remain vigilant, particularly communities near the volcano, as further activity remains possible.