BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island recorded another ash emission event on the morning of Saturday, April 25, 2026, continuing a period of heightened unrest that has seen multiple moderate eruptions throughout the year. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) maintained Alert Level 2, indicating a moderate level of volcanic unrest and persistent magmatic activity underneath the volcano.
Residents in surrounding areas reported light ashfall and a distinct sulfuric odor shortly after the morning activity, which generated a visible plume drifting toward the western and southwestern slopes.
The Saturday morning event is part of a broader series of volcanic activities recorded in 2026:
- Current Status: Alert Level 2 (Increased Unrest).
- Recent Seismicity: PHIVOLCS has monitored dozens of volcanic earthquakes daily, including short-duration volcanic tremors, which suggest the movement of hydrothermal fluids or magma.
- Gas Emissions: Sulfur dioxide (SO2) flux has remained high, frequently exceeding 1,000 tonnes per day, contributing to the sulfuric smell reported in nearby barangays.
- Ground Deformation: The volcanic edifice remains inflated, a sign of continued pressure from below.
Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMOs) in Negros Occidental have been placed on standby. Previous events this season have led to:
- Ashfall Reports: Villages in La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Bago City, and La Carlota have been the most frequently affected by drifting ash.
- Health Warnings: The Department of Health (DOH) continues to advise residents to use N95 masks or wet cloths to cover their noses and mouths, especially for those with respiratory conditions.
- Sulfuric Odors: Communities as far as San Enrique and Hinigaran have occasionally reported “shockwaves” or boom sounds accompanying larger emission events earlier this year.
As the volcano remains under Alert Level 2, the following strict regulations are in place:
- Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ): Entry into the 4-kilometer radius PDZ is strictly prohibited due to the risk of sudden steam-driven (phreatic) explosions and pyroclastic density currents.
- Aviation Safety: Pilots are advised to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit, as ash from sudden eruptions can be hazardous to aircraft engines.
- Vigilance: Local government units (LGUs) are urged to continuously monitor the activity and ensure that residents are prepared for possible escalation.
Kanlaon has been particularly active in the first quarter of 2026, with significant moderately explosive eruptions recorded on February 19, February 26, and March 15. The March 15 event was especially notable, sending an ash column 5 kilometers into the air. While the April 25 activity was less intense, experts warn that the ongoing ground deformation and high gas levels indicate that the unrest is far from over.