Mount Kanlaon erupted again on December 9, forcing the evacuation of approximately 87,000 residents in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.
The eruption produced a massive 4,000-meter-high plume of volcanic particles and sulfur fumes, prompting authorities to raise the alert level to 3, which indicates magmatic unrest and the potential for further explosive eruptions.
Heavy Ashfall and Widespread Disruptions
The hardest-hit areas include La Castellana town in Negros Occidental, with nearly 47,000 residents in the danger zone, along with cities like Bago and La Carlota. Heavy ashfall blanketed roads, rooftops, and vegetation, while residents reported strong sulfur smells and rains of small stones.
Evacuation efforts are underway, and local governments have canceled classes in affected areas to ensure public safety. In addition, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has issued a notice restricting flights near Mount Kanlaon due to potential hazards, though Bacolod-Silay International Airport operations remain unaffected.
Second Eruption This Year
This latest eruption follows an earlier event in June 2024 that caused ₱84.1 million in agricultural damages. Pyroclastic density currents were observed descending the southeastern slopes of Mount Kanlaon, according to Phivolcs. Officials have also reported loud explosion sounds during the eruption, further emphasizing the volcano’s activity.
Residents are advised to follow evacuation orders, wear protective masks, and stay indoors to minimize exposure to ash and sulfur fumes.
