KANLAON Volcano had a moderately explosive eruption at 8:05PM on Friday, October 24, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported.
According to the agency’s seismic and visual recordings, the eruption that lasted for three minutes, generated a plume that rose 2,000 meters above the crater.
The agency also noted that there were “large ballistic fragments” that spewed from the crater.
Authorities reported ashfall in different cities and municipalities of Negros Occidental, namely Barangays Mailum, Ma-ao, Ilijan, Bacong, and Abuanan in Bago City; Sto. Guintubdan and Barangay Ara-al in La Carlota City; and Barangay Zamora in Pontevedra.
At the same time, the above-mentioned barangays experienced sulfurous fumes, even reaching areas of La Castellana and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.
The visual and thermal camera monitoring of PHIVOLCS documented the descent of the pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) on the southern slopes of the volcano.
As of 12AM on Saturday, October 25, PHIVOLCS has recorded 21 volcanic earthquakes.
The alert for Mt. Kanlaon remains at Level 2, meaning there is a moderate level of unrest. PHIVOLCS said that it is possible for further moderate intensity volcanic activities such as ash emissions or similar short-lived explosive eruptions.
This also means that entry within the 4-kilometer danger zone is prohibited, as well as aircraft flight near the crater of the volcano.
In response to the volcanic unrest, Canlaon City Mayor Jose Chubasco “Batchuk” Cardenas immediately activated the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, putting the city on full alert.
Resources, rescue vehicles, and rescuers are also already prepositioned by order of the mayor.
Cardenas assured the public that the local government will continue monitoring the volcanic activities of Mt. Kanlaon and is in constant coordination with barangay officials to ensure the safety of residents.
“We understand the fear that comes with seeing the volcano erupt again. But please remain calm, stay updated only through official sources, and be ready with your emergency go-bags. We are on top of the situation,” Cardenas said in a press release through SALTA Canlaon Official Facebook page.According to the agency’s seismic and visual recordings, the eruption that lasted for three minutes, generated a plume that rose 2,000 meters above the crater.