Mount Kanlaon Erupts, Spewing Ash and Gas, Forcing Mass Evacuations and Prompting Authorities to Raise Alert Levels Amid Growing Safety Concerns
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – A massive eruption of Mount Kanlaon on Monday sent a towering plume of ash and gases three kilometers (1.8 miles) into the sky, forcing residents of central Negros island to flee their homes.
The sudden explosion, described as the loudest in years, triggered ashfalls that disrupted visibility, sparked health concerns, and led authorities to close schools and impose a nighttime curfew.
“It sounded like a cannon,” said Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas of Canlaon City, located southeast of the volcano. “We’ve had quiet eruptions before, but this one was deafening.”
Evacuations Underway Amid Rising Danger
By nightfall, around 100 residents had sought shelter in emergency evacuation centers, but officials warned that the number could surpass 2,000 as the risk of more eruptions looms.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the alert level around Kanlaon to Level 3, the third-highest in its five-tier warning system, signaling an ongoing magmatic eruption that could lead to more violent explosions.
Villages within a six-kilometer (3.7-mile) danger zone were evacuated as authorities reported a pyroclastic density current — a lethal surge of ash, debris, and rocks capable of incinerating anything in its path.
Volcano in the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’
Standing at 2,435 meters (7,988 feet), Mount Kanlaon is one of the Philippines’ 24 most active volcanoes. It last erupted in June, displacing hundreds of villagers.
Located in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” the Philippines faces frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Adding to its vulnerability, the country is battered by roughly 20 typhoons annually, making it one of the most disaster-prone nations in the world.
Safety Measures and Continued Monitoring
Authorities are closely monitoring the volcano for further activity, urging nearby residents to remain vigilant. Mayor Cardenas expressed concerns about the potential for prolonged disruptions, saying, “We are preparing for the worst-case scenario.”
Stay tuned for updates as emergency response teams work to ensure the safety of affected communities.
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