NEGROS ISLAND, Philippines – Mount Kanlaon, one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, experienced a minor explosive eruption tonight, sending a column of ash high into the sky and depositing ashfall across several cities in Negros Island.
The eruption occurred at approximately 8:05 PM this Friday evening, according to initial reports from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). The event, though classified as minor, was significant enough to prompt immediate safety warnings for nearby communities.
Detailed Eruption Metrics and Impact
PHIVOLCS confirmed the key metrics of the night’s activity:
Duration: The explosive phase lasted only a few minutes, from 8:05 PM to 8:06 PM.
Ash Plume Height: The plume, or column of ash, reached an estimated height of 2 kilometers (approximately 6,560 feet) above the crater.
Plume Direction: The ash cloud was carried by prevailing winds in a northeasterly direction.
Pyroclastic Density Current (PDC): The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported the occurrence of a PDC—a fast-moving mixture of hot gas and rock fragments—that traveled approximately 1 kilometer from the volcano’s crater. While PDCs are extremely dangerous, this specific event appears to have been contained within the Permanent Danger Zone.
As a direct result of the eruption, ashfall (or the rain of ash) was reported in several key cities and municipalities, including La Carlota City, La Castellana, and Bago City.
Live Report from the Ground
GMA Regional TV reporter Aen Pedreso delivered a live update from Bago City, one of the areas most affected by the ashfall.
“Good evening. We are currently in Bago City, which is experiencing the fallout from Mount Kanlaon’s eruption that occurred at 8:05 this evening,” Pedreso reported. “Even on the roads here, the ashfall is visibly collecting.”
When questioned about the severity of the ash and the presence of sulfur fumes, Pedreso, who was visibly wearing a face mask, provided key observations:
“In our immediate vicinity, the smell of sulfur is not yet overpowering. However, in other parts of the province, the scent of sulfur is quite strong. Here in Bago City, the local CDRRMO (City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office) has already deployed personnel to distribute face masks to the residents as a crucial protective measure against the ash particles.”
Pedreso confirmed that PHIVOLCS has not reported any immediate follow-up eruptions, suggesting that the initial event remains an isolated incident for the time being.
Status Quo: Alert Level and Evacuation
Despite the dramatic eruption and subsequent ashfall, Mount Kanlaon’s status remains unchanged.
Alert Level 2: The volcano remains under Alert Level 2 (meaning elevated unrest). This designation warns of the possibility of minor explosions and sustained seismic activity.
Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ): Authorities reiterated the strict prohibition against entering the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone around the volcano’s summit.
Local Government Units (LGUs) across Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental are currently focused on monitoring and assessment. Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs) in areas close to the volcano are actively evaluating the situation and providing necessary aid to ashfall-affected communities.
Crucially, as of the time of the live report, no forced or preemptive evacuation orders have been implemented in the affected areas. Authorities appear to be relying on continuous monitoring and the preparedness of local residents while the Alert Level remains at 2.
The situation is fluid, and residents are urged to remain vigilant, heed official warnings, and continue wearing protective gear against the volcanic ash.
