Mount Kanlaon erupted again for five minutes on Wednesday, triggering 38 volcanic earthquakes, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
This followed Tuesday’s eruption, which blanketed at least 11 areas in Negros Occidental with ash and the smell of sulfur.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council – Emergency Operations Center (PDRRMC-EOC) received reports of toxic air quality in the cities of La Carlota, Bago, and San Carlos, as well as in the towns of La Castellana, Murcia, San Enrique, Valladolid, Pontevedra, Hinigaran, and Binalbagan.
In Bago City, ashfall affected 23 barangays, while 11 villages in La Carlota City and nine barangays in La Castellana also reported volcanic ash and sulfur odor.
“The public is advised to report any Kanlaon-related incidents to their local government unit and to continue taking precautionary measures against the harmful effects of the recent eruption. Please wear your face mask at all times,” the Negros Occidental Operations Center said in an advisory.
The Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) confirmed that ash particles mixed with rain were visible in parts of the city, affecting at least 18 barangays.
Residents were urged to take precautions, including staying indoors and using face masks or damp cloths to cover their noses and mouths.
According to Phivolcs, a moderately explosive eruption occurred at 2:55 a.m. on Tuesday, lasting five minutes and producing a grayish plume that rose approximately 4.5 kilometers above the summit crater and drifted southwest.
Rumbling sounds were reportedly heard in Barangay Pula, Canlaon City, and in La Castellana, Negros Occidental.
Phivolcs also confirmed the presence of incandescent pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) flowing down the southern slopes within two kilometers of the crater. Ballistic fragments were observed igniting vegetation near the summit.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Kanlaon erupts anew, ashfall hits 11 Negros Occidental areas.”