Kanlaon Volcano raised to Alert Level 3 after eruption

Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island has been raised to Alert Level 3, indicating magmatic unrest, following an explosive eruption on December 9, 2024.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) explained that an upgrade to Alert Level 3 signifies that a magmatic eruption has begun and could progress to further explosive eruptions.

This change from Alert Level 2, where it had been since June 2024, reflects continuous seismic activity and increasing unrest.

Phivolcs reported two ash emission events, 10 volcanic earthquakes, and the emission of 3,186 tons of sulfur dioxide in the past 24 hours.

The volcano's edifice has shown pronounced inflation, suggesting pressurization that could lead to further eruptive activity.

Communities within a six-kilometer radius from the volcano's summit are recommended to evacuate, and all aircraft are prohibited from flying close to the volcano.

Potential hazards include explosive eruptions, lava flows, ashfall, pyroclastic density currents, rockfalls, and lahars.