Kanlaon Volcano Erupts Again — Ashfall Blankets 121 Barangays Across Negros, Classes Suspended
Kanlaon Volcano unleashed another moderately explosive eruption Thursday evening, generating a massive 2,500-meter ash plume and blanketing 121 barangays across Negros Occidental in volcanic ash. It was exactly one week after its previous eruption, and this one was even more intense.
The eruption happened at 7:04 p.m. and lasted two minutes, according to the Philippine Institute of Seismology and Volcanology (Phivolcs). Pyroclastic density currents cascaded up to two kilometers down the volcano's eastern and southeastern slopes, triggering a forest fire in La Castellana, Negros Occidental. Ash emissions continued until 8:30 p.m.
By 10 p.m. Thursday, ashfall, sulfuric fumes, and ground tremors had been reported in 16 towns and cities across Negros Occidental, including Bago City, Binalbagan, La Carlota City, Himamaylan City, Kabankalan City, San Carlos City, and Sipalay. Canlaon City in Negros Oriental was also affected.
Local officials moved quickly — Canlaon City Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas activated all emergency protocols, while La Carlota City Mayor Jose Luis Jalandoni convened the local disaster risk reduction council. Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya advised residents to wear face masks and limit time outdoors. Multiple towns suspended classes on Friday as a safety precaution.
Residents in La Carlota, Himamaylan, and Binalbagan said the shockwaves from this eruption felt even stronger than those during the volcano's December 2024 activity. Phivolcs volcanologist Mari Andylene Quintia confirmed the eruption was 'moderately explosive,' and authorities continue to monitor for further volcanic activity.
Source: The Manila Times
