Mount Kanlaon in the central Philippines has experienced a recent eruption that has raised concerns among local authorities and residents, prompting significant evacuation efforts for surrounding communities. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that on Monday at 3:03 PM local time, an explosive eruption occurred at the volcano’s summit vent, sending a massive column of ash into the atmosphere.
In response to the eruption, the government has ordered the evacuation of approximately 54,000 individuals, equating to around 12,000 families, from areas within a six-kilometer radius of the volcano. Authorities have stressed the importance of preparedness as they anticipate the possibility of further volcanic activity in the coming days. The PHIVOLCS has advised local government units to consider additional evacuations if warranted by the volcano’s behavior.
Social media footage has depicted the aftermath of the eruption, showcasing various locations near Mount Kanlaon blanketed in thick volcanic ash. As one of the Philippines’ 24 active volcanoes, Kanlaon rises to over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) above sea level on the island of Negros. This geological feature has a history of eruptions, with PHIVOLCS noting that it has erupted more than 40 times since 1866. The seismology office also reported a previous evacuation of residents in September due to hazardous gas emissions from the volcano.
Officials are methodically managing the situation, with the Office of Civil Defense preparing for the worst-case scenario of potentially raising the volcano’s alert level. Negros Occidental Province’s Governor, Eugenio Lacson, indicated that a state of calamity may be declared if conditions deteriorate. The local police are actively overseeing evacuations in four upland villages in La Castellana, located on the volcano’s southwestern slope.
Resident Dianne Paula Abendan captured the eruption’s dramatic impact on video, noting the visible plume of grey smoke from the volcano’s crater. Although she and others anticipated an explosion, they observed a slight decrease in volcanic activity shortly after the initial eruption.
The concerted efforts of local authorities, along with the readiness and resilience of the community, highlight the importance of preparedness in the face of natural disasters. These recent developments reinforce the Philippines’ commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens during geological events.
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