The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported ashfall in several areas following the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Monday, December 9.
Significant ash deposits occurred in Bago City and various barangays in La Castellana, Negros Occidental.
The explosive eruption took place at 3:03 PM and lasted for nearly four minutes, sending an ash plume approximately 4,000 meters into the atmosphere.
Local authorities have initiated evacuation procedures for communities within a six-kilometer radius of the volcano due to the risks posed by pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) and ashfall.
“Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest) has now been raised over Kanlaon Volcano. This means that there are increased chances for sudden and even stronger explosive eruptions to occur and endanger communities at risk with life-threatening volcanic hazards,” Phivolcs explained.
“It is therefore recommended that communities within a six-kilometer radius of the summit crater be evacuated due to the danger of pyroclastic density currents or PDCs, ballistic projectiles and ashfall, lava flows, rockfalls and other related hazards,” it continued.
Approximately 87,000 residents are affected by these evacuation orders, particularly in La Castellana’s upland villages.
Residents have reported a strong sulfur smell accompanying the ashfall, raising concerns about air quality.
Phivolcs is closely monitoring the situation and has advised civil aviation authorities to restrict flights near the volcano due to potential ash hazards.
“Local government units and DRRM councils are advised to prepare communities within the Dost-Phivolcs Pyroclastic Density Currents Hazard Map for potential evacuation in case unrest further escalates and hazardous worst-case explosive eruption becomes imminent,” it stated.
Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available regarding this ongoing volcanic activity.