Mount Kanlaon erupts, ashfall prompts Alert Level 2

Mount Kanlaon erupted and intensified activity on Monday evening, prompting PHIVOLCS to raise the alert level to Alert Level 2.

The eruption produced an ash plume that reached up to 5,000 meters in height, causing ashfall in parts of Negros Occidental, with lahars flowing into rivers and roads in Barangay Biaknabato, La Castellana on Wednesday morning.

Local residents reported sulfur smells and dust rain near the western side of the volcano, and PHIVOLCS confirmed that heavy rainfall washed out ash deposits left from Sunday's eruption.

Authorities are urging people within the 4-kilometer permanent danger zone to evacuate for safety, with some areas closed off due to lahar flows.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is coordinating with regional counterparts in Western Visayas and Central Visayas to respond to evacuation activities and provide emergency supplies such as water filtration systems.

PHIVOLCS recorded eight volcanic earthquakes from Sunday to Monday morning, indicating ongoing activity but no significant increase in threat level.

Continuous updates will be provided as the situation evolves.