Kanlaon Volcano spews ash, Phivolcs raises alert

Kanlaon Volcano began spewing ash plumes at 11:52 am on Monday, April 14, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to warn of potential ashfall.

On Tuesday, April 15, Phivolcs recorded three more ash emission events lasting between 41 and 253 minutes, accompanied by 33 volcanic earthquakes including five tremors that lasted eight to 23 minutes. For the past 24 hours, the volcano generated an additional 16 volcanic earthquakes.

The volcano's sulfur dioxide flux was recorded at 1,850 tons on Monday, April 14, generating an 800-meter-tall plume that drifted west-northwest and westward. On Tuesday, emissions were measured at 1,170 tons, still above background levels.

Alert Level 3 remains active, indicating intensified unrest or magmatic unrest. Authorities have advised residents in affected communities to stay indoors during ashfall events and use face masks or damp cloths to minimize health risks. Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol urged communities to remain vigilant and be prepared for possible evacuation if necessary.

This is the fourth significant explosive event from Kanlaon Volcano in recent months, with previous eruptions on June 3 and December 9, 2024, and April 8. The April 8 eruption generated a plume about 4,000 meters tall and released 5,011 tons of sulfur dioxide per day.

Government assistance for around 9,888 affected families has so far totaled P262.05 million, with agricultural losses in Western Visayas reaching P129.39 million due to ongoing ash emissions and earlier eruptions.