The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has raised the alert status of Kanlaon Volcano from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 3 following an eruption on December 9, citing the potential for stronger and hazardous volcanic activity in the coming weeks.
“We raised the alert level because there is a possibility of another eruption, potentially stronger but short-lived, following this afternoon’s activity,” Phivolcs chief science research specialist Ma. Antonia Bornas said.
The eruption, which occurred at 3:03 PM, was recorded as more intense compared to previous eruptions, including the one on June 3 this year.
The volcano ejected ash, magma, and large rocks, unlike the June activity that only emitted ash and sulfur, Phivolcs also reported.
The explosion was preceded by a loud rumble and significantly affected Barangays Mansalanao, Biaknabato, and Cabagna-an in La Castellana, Negros Occidental. These areas are now covered in volcanic ash, with residents reporting a strong sulfur odor.
Phivolcs has advised mandatory evacuations within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone around the volcano, citing the likelihood of more hazardous eruptions.
Heavy rains have also caused wet ashfall in some areas of Negros, increasing risks for affected communities. Local government units have been urged to act swiftly to safeguard residents.
Authorities are closely monitoring Kanlaon Volcano’s activity and have called for heightened vigilance among residents.
Emergency evacuation efforts are being initiated to protect the safety of families in the surrounding areas, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said.
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary and NDRRMC chairman Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. has issued directives to respond and assist immediately, particularly in evacuating affected residents to avoid casualties.
Ongoing evacuation is being implemented for residents within a six-kilometer radius of the volcano
In Western Visayas, approximately 20,000 individuals from 12 barangays are expected to be impacted by the eruption. Authorities are preparing for the worst-case scenario of raising the alert level to Level 4, if necessary, which would necessitate further evacuation and safety measures.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured the public the agency is ready to dispatch family food packs (FFPs) to residents of Negros Province who will be affected by the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano.
In a statement, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian directed the regional directors of Field Offices 6 (Western Visayas) and 7 (Central Visayas) to coordinate with the affected local government units (LGUs) to assure them that the agency is ready to respond to all those who will be affected by the volcanic eruption.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Kanlaon Volcano erupts anew—Phivolcs.”