Phivolcs reports 'explosive eruption' at Kanlaon Volcano

February 20 ------ An explosive eruption occurred on Mount Kanlaon yesterday afternoon, prompting evacuations within the danger zone and heightening alertness among local government units across parts of Negros Island. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) confirmed that the eruption began at around 4:39 p.m., with a volcanic plume rising approximately 2,000 meters above the summit. The agency released an advisory, stating that the eruption was still ongoing as monitoring continued.

Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol warned that volcanic activity could still escalate in the coming hours. “Ongoing pa rin ngayon iyong eruption. This started at 4:39 p.m. kanina and iyong plume height umaabot ng 2,000 meters. And we’re still gathering more information about this one,” Bacolcol said. “Posible na mag-escalate further ang activity. But since… 2024, nagkaroon na tayo ng mga similar activity. The last time that we had was October 2025… And again, naulit na naman ngayon,” he added.

Bacolcol noted that Alert Level 2 remains in effect over Kanlaon Volcano, but authorities are closely watching developments that could warrant raising the alert to a higher level. “For now, pinapa-evacuate natin iyong nasa permanent danger zone within 4 kilometers. And nasa alert level 2 pa rin naman iyong Kanlaon Volcano,” he said. “But again, we will see in the next few hours if we may raise the alert level from 2 to 3,” he added.

Phivolcs reiterated its warning against entering the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), stressing that sudden explosive eruptions can occur without much warning. “Iyong paalala natin sa ating mga kababayan, again, sundin iyong permanent danger zone, 4 kilometers. Huwag pumasok kasi anytime pwede po magkaroon ng ganitong explosive eruption,” Bacolcol said. Residents were also advised to take health precautions, especially if ashfall occurs, as volcanic ash can irritate the respiratory system. “Kung may ash, kapag may abo, kailangan nilang magsuot ng face mask kasi kapag na-inhale nila iyong abo, nakaka-irritate po ‘yan sa mga respiratory system, lalo na mga may problema sa respiratory problems, katulad ng hika, lung disease,” he said.

Local government units in areas surrounding Kanlaon immediately raised their alert status following the eruption. In Canlaon City, Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas said barangays within the extended danger zone were placed on standby, with rescue teams and vehicles ready to respond. “Pagtingin namin sa bulkan, nagkaroon ng pagsabog. Meron ding ashes. Sa sistema namin dito, alerto na ang barangay. Naka-ready na rin iyong mga rescue vehicles namin,” Cardenas said.

While no immediate impacts were reported in the city, Cardenas expressed concern over possible secondary hazards should heavy rains follow the eruption. “As of now, I can say na iyong explosion, hindi pa namin ramdam iyong mga epekto, iyong ash fall. Ang worry ko lang dahil parang uulan mamaya, so expected na may aagos na lahar,” he said. Meanwhile, in La Castellana, Vice Mayor Rhumyla Mangilimutan decided to suspend classes the following day. “Kanina noong pumutok, explosive talaga kasi parang biglang nag-thunder, kulog na malakas. Bumulusok iyong abo na maitim, mausok,” Mangilimutan said. “Ang klase bukas, it was already discussed na cancel na,” she added.

Residents living near Kanlaon Volcano were urged to remain vigilant, follow official advisories, and avoid restricted zones as the situation continues to develop.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com