Kanlaon Volcano spews ash, SO₂; Alert Level 3 remains

Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island continued its activity on Tuesday, December 24, spewing dark gray ash plumes that lasted around 11 minutes and reached up to 1,200 meters tall before noon.

The volcano had four discrete ash emissions lasting up to five hours and 35 minutes on Monday, December 23, releasing a total of 2,200 tons of sulfur dioxide gas and generating grayish plumes that rose up to 1,200 meters above the crater before drifting southwest.

Alert Level 3 remains in effect for Kanlaon Volcano, indicating intensified unrest with potential hazardous eruptions within weeks since its explosive eruption on December 9. The danger zone is currently set at a six-kilometer radius around the summit crater.

Phivolcs advised communities to remain evacuated due to risks of pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, ashfall, lava flows, rockfalls, and lahars triggered by heavy rainfall, recommending the use of N95 or surgical masks to prevent inhalation of volcanic materials.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has provided P171.422 million in aid for victims affected by Kanlaon's activity, with instructions to release disaster funds and monitor health issues related to the eruption.