Minor explosion at Kanlaon Volcano; ashfall, sulfur fumes reported

A minor explosion occurred at Kanlaon Volcano's crater on Thursday afternoon, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

The two-minute explosion, which began at 3:11 p.m., generated a plume that rose 600 meters before drifting southwest and causing ashfall in nearby areas.

Sulfurous fumes were reported in La Castellana's barangays, while rain-induced lahars formed in the Buhangin River, affecting La Castellana and Moises Padilla.

Phivolcs recorded 15 volcanic earthquakes and noted a sulfur dioxide release of 4,195 tons on Wednesday, indicating ongoing magmatic unrest at Alert Level 3.

Director Teresito Bacolcol explained that the explosion was likely caused by over-pressurization due to blockage in the volcano's conduit, releasing accumulated gases beneath the surface.

Phivolcs warns against flights near the volcano and cautions residents about potential hazards including sudden explosive eruptions, lava flows, ash falls, rockfalls, lahars during heavy rains, and pyroclastic flows.