Kanlaon Volcano, currently under Alert Level 3, emitted ash 13 times on Thursday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported. The ash emissions, lasting from two minutes to over an hour, occurred between 12 a.m. Thursday and 12 a.m. Friday.
Volcanic Activity Summary
- Ash Plume: Kanlaon produced plumes reaching 100 meters high, alongside continuous degassing with occasional ash emissions.
- Sulfur Dioxide Levels: Emissions averaged 3,999 tons per day.
- Seismic Activity: Seven volcanic earthquakes were recorded during the period.
Hazard Warnings and Evacuations
PHIVOLCS urged residents within a six-kilometer radius of the volcano to evacuate due to the risk of sudden explosive eruptions, lava flows, ashfall, pyroclastic density currents, rockfalls, and lahar flows during heavy rains.
Government Response
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured the public on Friday that the government is closely monitoring the situation. The eruption earlier this week has already displaced 11,791 families (40,489 individuals) in Western and Central Visayas, with 4,612 families (15,440 individuals) now housed in evacuation centers, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
To assess potential hazards, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and PHIVOLCS conducted an aerial survey of the volcano using two S701 Black Hawk helicopters.