Mt. Kanlaon, muling sumabog; nagbuga ng mapanganib na abo may taas na 4.5 kilometro

- Mt. Kanlaon volcano erupts again early Tuesday, sending ash 4.5 kilometers high and prompting ongoing concerns and monitoring by PHIVOLCS

- The eruption generated dangerous pyroclastic density currents and resulted in ashfall across several barangays, posing risks to nearby communities

- PHIVOLCS has kept Mount Kanlaon at Alert Level 3, indicating a high likelihood of further moderate eruptions and necessitating continued evacuations within a 6-kilometer radius

- Authorities are warning residents about the potential for dangerous lahars, urging caution particularly in low-lying areas and near riverbanks

Mount Kanlaon in Negros Island, exhibited renewed volcanic activity with a moderately explosive eruption in the early hours of Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the eruption, which commenced at 2:55 a.m. and lasted for approximately five minutes, propelled a significant grayish ash plume to an estimated height of 4.5 kilometers (around 14,764 feet) into the atmosphere.

This recent event marks the fourth instance of eruptive activity from Mt. Kanlaon in less than a year, following previous eruptions recorded on June 3 and December 9 of 2024, as well as April 8 of the current year.

The latest eruption produced a substantial volume of ash that subsequently drifted in a southwestward direction, impacting several localities in Negros Occidental.

Residents in Barangay Pula, Canlaon City, and the municipality of La Castellana, Negros Occidental, also reported hearing rumbling sounds coinciding with the eruption.

Furthermore, PHIVOLCS noted the occurrence of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) descending the volcano's southern flanks, extending up to two kilometers away from the main crater.

These dangerous flows of hot gas and volcanic debris pose a significant hazard to areas within their reach. In addition to the PDCs, large fragments of volcanic material were ejected and hurled within a few hundred meters of the summit, igniting vegetation in the immediate vicinity of the crater.

The fallout from the eruption included a thin layer of ashfall reported across various barangays in Negros Occidental.

Affected areas include Barangays Cubay, San Miguel, Yubo, and Ara-al in La Carlota City; Barangays Ilijan and Binubuhan in Bago City; and Barangays Biak-na-Bato, Sag-ang, and Mansalanao in La Castellana.

Residents in these areas were advised by PHIVOLCS to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from ash inhalation.

In light of the continued volcanic unrest, PHIVOLCS has maintained the Alert Level 3 status for Mount Kanlaon.

This alert level signifies that there is ongoing magmatic disturbance and a heightened probability of further short-lived, moderately explosive eruptions.

The agency reiterated its recommendation for the continued evacuation of all individuals residing within a six-kilometer radius of the volcano's summit crater due to the persistent risks of pyroclastic flows, ashfall, and potential volcanic debris avalanches.

Local government units in the vicinity of Mount Kanlaon are urged to remain vigilant and prepared for potential escalations in volcanic activity that may necessitate broader evacuation measures. Disaster response teams are on standby to assist affected communities should the situation worsen.

PHIVOLCS has also issued a warning regarding the potential for lahars, which are dangerous flows of mud and volcanic debris, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

Residents in valleys and along riverbanks near the volcano are advised to be especially cautious as these flows can occur even after an eruption has ceased.

The agency continues to closely monitor the activity of Mt Kanlaon and promised to issue updated bulletins as warranted by changes in the volcano’s behavior.

The public is urged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to the safety guidelines and advisories issued by PHIVOLCS and local authorities. The focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the communities surrounding the active volcano.

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.

In other news, Arnie Benedicto, the Barangay Captain of Lantad, Silay City and the primary suspect in the fatal shooting of the supporters of the incumbent mayor of the said city, has surrendered to the authorities. It can be recalled that early on Monday, May 12, 2025, news about the fatal shooting that resulted in two deaths and seven injuries spread like wildfire online. The shooting incident is claimed to be linked to alleged vote buying monitoring activities. Witnesses say the violence erupted after Benedicto reportedly fired upon volunteers of “Team Ugyon” who were monitoring alleged vote-buying activities outside a property associated with “Team Asenso.”

Still in other news, a 65-year-old man, Nestor Rensales, died after voting in Oas, Albay during the midterm elections. Rensales, a stroke survivor, felt dizzy and collapsed shortly after casting his vote at Oas South Central Elementary School, ABS-CBN reported. His wife shared that he insisted on voting despite the heat and early crowd, believing his vote still mattered. He was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Source: KAMI.com.gh