Kanlaon Volcano had an explosive eruption on December 9 at 3:03 pm, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to raise its alert level from 2 to 3.
Photo: PHIVOLCS
“The eruption produced a voluminous plume that rapidly rose to 3,000 meters above the vent and drifted west-southwest,” the agency stated.
“DOST-PHIVOLCS is raising the Alert Level of Kanlaon Volcano from Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest) to Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest). This means magmatic eruption has begun that may progress to further explosive eruptions.”
PHIVOLCS emphasized that all local government units are advised to evacuate the six-kilometer radius from the summit of the volcano and prepare for possible additional evacuation.
Standing at 2,465 m (8,087 ft.) above sea level, Kanlaon Volcano is the highest mountain on Negros island. It is one of the active volcanoes in the Philippines and is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, where intense seismic and volcanic activity commonly occurs. Since 1819, it has recorded 30 eruptions.
On June 3, PHIVOLCS raised Kanlaon Volcano’s status to Alert Level 2 following an eruption.
Stay safe, everyone!
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