Kanlaon volcano erupts, Phivolcs raises alert to Level 3

Kanlaon volcano in Negros erupted on Tuesday morning at 5:51 AM, sending an ash plume 4,000 meters into the air and causing a pyroclastic density current (PDC) moving south towards Negros Occidental.

Director Teresita Bacolcol of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that Phivolcs raised Kanlaon's alert status to Level 3 after its December 9 eruption, indicating magmatic unrest and potential for further explosive eruptions.

Bacolcol stated that Alert Level 3 remains in effect as there is no lava but rather ash, steam, and PDCs consisting of volcanic debris and gases descending the volcano's slopes.

Phivolcs noted that blocked conduits may have caused overpressurization leading to the explosive eruption, and a higher alert level could be implemented if conditions worsen.

La Carlota Mayor Rex Jalando-on reported ash fall affecting upland barangays such as Ara-al, Yubo, San Miguel, and Haguimit, resulting in class suspensions.

He advised residents to wear masks to avoid respiratory issues caused by the ash fall.