Kanlaon Volcano Pumutok Na Naman — Classes Suspended sa 7 Towns ng Negros
Kanlaon Volcano erupted again Sunday evening, sending ash raining down on large parts of Negros Island and forcing local governments to suspend classes in seven municipalities come Monday. This marks the third moderate eruption of 2026 — following similar events on February 19 and 26.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) confirmed the moderately explosive eruption happened at 6:07 PM on March 15. Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 2, meaning moderate unrest with the possibility of more sudden eruptions anytime.
Classes at all levels were suspended in Himamaylan City and the towns of Binalbagan, Hinigaran, Isabela, Moises Padilla, Pontevedra, and La Castellana. The move was made to protect students from ash fall that blanketed these areas. Ash accumulation was recorded across 90 barangays in 11 local government units, with Hinigaran being the hardest hit at 24 barangays affected.
Local mayors have issued advisories telling residents to stay indoors as much as possible and wear face masks outdoors to protect themselves from respiratory issues caused by volcanic particles. Reports of sulfur fumes — a telltale sign of volcanic activity — were noted in Barangay Codcod in San Carlos City and Barangay Mailum in La Carlota City.
Local disaster response teams are on standby to assist affected communities while Phivolcs continues monitoring the volcano. With three eruptions in less than a month, Negros residents are bracing for what could be a prolonged period of volcanic unrest — and hoping the situation doesn't escalate further.
Source: The Manila Times
