Sumabog ang bulkang Kanlaon sa Negros at nagbuga ng makapal na abo

• A moderately explosive eruption occurred at the summit crater Thursday afternoon, according to PHIVOLCS
• The eruption plume reached about 2,000 meters before drifting southwest of the volcano
• Pyroclastic density currents moved down the southern and southwestern slopes within one kilometer
• Authorities continue monitoring the situation as volcanic activity remains ongoing

An explosive eruption is currently taking place at Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported Thursday afternoon, raising renewed concern among communities living near the active volcano.

State volcanologists said the latest activity happened late in the day and was captured through seismic monitoring equipment positioned around the summit.

“A moderately explosive eruption at the summit crater of Kanlaon Volcano occurred at 04:38 PM today (19 February 2026) and lasted two (2 minutes) based on the seismic record,” PHIVOLCS said.

The agency added that the event produced a dark gray plume that rose roughly 2,000 meters above the crater before drifting toward the southwest.

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Aside from the towering ash column, the eruption also generated pyroclastic density currents that traveled down the southern and southwestern upper slopes, though these remained confined within a one-kilometer radius of the summit area. Such volcanic flows consist of fast-moving hot gases, ash, and rock fragments that can pose serious danger to nearby zones.

Monitoring of the volcano remains ongoing as experts assess whether additional eruptions may follow. Authorities typically advise residents to stay away from the permanent danger zone and to remain alert for further updates during periods of heightened volcanic unrest.

Kanlaon is among the country’s most active volcanoes, and even short explosive events can disrupt nearby communities through ashfall, reduced visibility, and potential health risks. Officials continue coordinating preparedness measures to ensure public safety should activity intensify in the coming hours or days.

In other news, Mount Kanlaon on Negros Island erupted moderately on May 13, 2025, sending a 4.5-kilometer ash plume southwest and generating dangerous pyroclastic density currents, ashfall across several barangays, and volcanic debris near the crater. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology kept Alert Level 3 in place, citing continued magmatic unrest and the likelihood of further short-lived explosive eruptions. Authorities enforced evacuations within a six-kilometer radius and warned residents about possible lahars, especially in river channels and low-lying communities during heavy rain. Local governments and disaster teams remain on alert while monitoring continues and safety advisories urge the public to stay.

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Meanwhile, a grassfire broke out on the eastern upper slopes of Kanlaon Volcano after superheated ballistic fragments from an early morning eruption ignited dry vegetation, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. The explosion generated a 4,000-meter plume, hazardous pyroclastic density currents on the southern slopes, and continued threats to nearby communities. Alert Level 3 remains in effect, signaling possible further eruptions and even lava flow, with evacuations enforced within a six-kilometer radius. In response to ashfall, La Castellana distributed face masks, while classes in Bago and San Carlos were suspended as precautionary safety measures.

Source: KAMI.com.gh