MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has reported increased volcanic activity at Kanlaon Volcano, with continuous ash emissions and volcanic tremors detected since 11:45 AM today. 

In its situation report released Monday afternoon, a dark ash plume rising approximately 1.2 kilometers high is drifting northwest, posing risks to nearby communities of Kanlaon Volcano.

Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 3 (Magmatic Unrest), signaling a heightened possibility of sudden, stronger explosive eruptions. 

Phivolcs has warned the area of potential hazards, including pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), ballistic projectiles, lava flows, rockfalls, and widespread ashfall.

For the past 24 hours, Kanlaon has logged over 15 volcanic earthquakes and released 7,198 tons of sulfur dioxide flux, Phivolcs said.

Communities at risk

The agency also noted that residents within the six-kilometer danger zone are strongly advised to stay evacuated. 

Barangays in La Castellana and Canlaon City—areas previously affected by PDCs—and downstream communities vulnerable to lahars and muddy streamflows during heavy rains remain at high risk.

Local government units and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management  councils are urged to closely monitor weather patterns, as heavy rainfall could trigger sediment-laden flows along the volcano’s southern channels.

Aviation warning and public safety

Civil aviation authorities are advised to instruct pilots to avoid flying near the volcano’s summit due to airborne ash, which can severely damage aircraft. Communities northwest and west of Kanlaon should prepare for ashfall as emissions continue.

Phivolcs reassures the public of ongoing, close monitoring of Kanlaon Volcano and will issue updates as necessary. 

Kanlaon erupted earlier this month. The explosive eruption occurred at 3:03 PM on December 9 at the summit vent, producing a massive plume that rose rapidly to 3,000 meters above the vent and drifted west-southwest.

At least 26 areas in Negros were affected by the Kanlaon ashfall, leaving a total of 5,772 families consisting of 18,475 persons, according to the Office of Civil Defense.