The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) released fresh footage showing intensified volcanic activity over Mount Kanlaon in the Negros Island Region, prompting local government authorities and disaster officials to heighten public vigilance.
In a time-lapse video posted on early Thursday morning, Phivolcs confirmed that Kanlaon emitted grayish plumes rising 500 meters above the summit crater. The footage was filmed over 24 hours from January 15 to early January 16.
Ash emissions were seen drifting southwest as recorded by monitoring stations in La Castellana, Negros Occidental and Canlaon City, Negros Oriental. The volcano remains under Alert Level 3, signaling an increased likelihood of a hazardous eruption, Phivolcs said.
“Stay alert, remain cautious, and follow the reminders and warnings of authorities as the threat of a destructive volcanic eruption still looms, especially since the volcano remains under Alert Level 3 and could potentially be raised to Alert Level 4,” the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reminded.
OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno assured evacuees of continued government assistance during his visit to Canlaon City on Wednesday to meet with disaster mitigation officials and camp leaders to assess the situation firsthand.
He emphasized the importance of evacuation measures, especially for residents within six kilometers of the crater. Should volcanic activity escalate to Alert Level 4, the danger zone would extend to 10 kilometers, prompting more evacuations.
Nepomuceno also recognized the hardships evacuees face, including disruptions to their livelihoods and the uncertainty of how long the crisis will persist. He pledged ongoing communication with local leaders to address emerging concerns swiftly.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), meanwhile, mobilized personnel and resources to support ongoing evacuation and response efforts. Military units such as the 79th Infantry Battalion and the 542nd Engineer Construction Battalion are stationed in the area for rapid deployment.
“The AFP continues to coordinate closely with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and other government agencies to ensure a unified and efficient response during disasters,” said AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla.
Kanlaon Volcano has been under Alert Level 3 since its eruption on December 9, 2024. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines as authorities closely monitor the situation.