Pagputok ng Mt. Kanlaon, nagdulot ng ‘grassfire’ malapit sa tuktok; alert level, nananatiling mataas

- Phivolcs reported an ongoing grassfire on the eastern upper slopes of Kanlaon Volcano, caused by superheated ballistic fragments from an earlier explosive eruption

- Despite the recent eruption, Phivolcs maintains Alert Level 3, indicating a continued risk of further explosive eruptions and potential lava flow

- The explosive eruption produced hazardous pyroclastic density currents descending the southern slopes, reinforcing the evacuation advisory for residents within a 6-kilometer radius of the summit

- In response to ashfall from the eruption, the mayor of La Castellana ordered the distribution of face masks, and classes were suspended in Bago and San Carlos cities as precautionary measures

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has reported a grassfire incident on the eastern upper slopes of Kanlaon Volcano.

This comes in the wake of an explosive eruption from the volcano at 5:51 AM on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

According to Phivolcs, the ongoing grassfire was directly ignited by “superheated ballistic fragments” ejected from the volcano’s crater during the morning’s eruption.

Read also

Babaeng lasing, natusok ng bakal nang mahulog sa balkonahe ng bahay

These intensely hot rock fragments landed on the dry vegetation on the volcano's slopes, causing it to catch fire. The agency issued this information in its regular updates on the volcano’s activity.

The explosive eruption, which produced a significant plume reaching approximately 4,000 meters into the atmosphere and drifting southwest, prompted immediate concerns for nearby communities.

Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), hazardous mixtures of hot volcanic gas, ash, and fragmented rock, were also observed descending the southern slopes of the volcano.

These fast-moving flows pose a significant threat to areas within the immediate vicinity of the volcano's edifice.

In response to the heightened volcanic activity, Phivolcs has maintained Alert Level 3 over Kanlaon Volcano.

This alert level signifies that there is a magmatic disturbance that could lead to further explosive eruptions.

Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol has warned that similar or even stronger short-lived explosive eruptions are possible and has not ruled out the possibility of lava flow.

Read also

Kanlaon Volcano erupts, spews ash plume of about 4 kms

Alert Level 3 has been in effect since December 9, 2024, following a previous explosive eruption.

Local authorities have been quick to respond to the situation. In La Castellana, Negros Occidental, which has been historically affected by Kanlaon’s eruptions, Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan ordered the distribution of face masks to residents in barangays experiencing ashfall.

As a precautionary measure, classes have been suspended in the component cities of Bago and San Carlos.

Residents within the 6-kilometer radius of the volcano's summit continue to be advised to evacuate due to the potential for hazardous events such as PDCs, ballistic projectiles, rockfalls, and ashfall.

Phivolcs continues its close monitoring of Kanlaon Volcano for any further signs of escalating unrest.

The agency has emphasized the importance of vigilance among local government units and residents, especially during periods of intense rainfall, as deposited ash and pyroclastic material on the upper slopes could be remobilized into dangerous lahars or sediment-laden flows in river systems.

Read also

Lalaking walang helmet, patay matapos bumangga sa sinusundang truck

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable to just about simply everyone around.

In other news, a woman collecting plastic bottles was killed after being hit by a bus within the designated EDSA Bus Lane in Quezon City. The bus driver involved in the fatal incident stated that he did not see the pedestrian in the bus lane and did not expect anyone to be crossing there. The collision between the bus and the pedestrian was so forceful that it resulted in the shattering of the bus's windshield. The tragic event has raised concerns about pedestrian safety in the EDSA Bus Lane, leading to a police investigation and potential calls for increased awareness and review of safety measures.

Read also

Mini truck, bumaliktad at bumangga sa puno; 2, patay

Still in other news, a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) van was ambushed on the Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) in a coordinated effort to free a Chinese inmate being transported after a court hearing. A jail officer sustained a gunshot wound during the confrontation, but swift police action led to the arrest of six suspects, including two Chinese nationals, following the ambush. Investigations revealed the ambush was a planned rescue of the Chinese inmate, who is allegedly the “boss” of a criminal syndicate involved in kidnapping, carnapping, and illegal firearms and drug traffick1ng. Four Filipino individuals were allegedly hired for P25,000 each to assist in the inmate's escape and now face a string of charges, including frustrated and attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms and drug$.

Source: KAMI.com.gh