Manila: Mount Kanlaon, one of the Philippines’ most active volcanoes, erupted early Tuesday morning, sending a thick ash plume approximately 4,000 meters (2.5 miles) into the sky, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
The eruption, which lasted over an hour, blanketed at least four nearby farming villages on Negros Island with ash, prompting the suspension of school classes in those areas.
No injuries or damage have been reported as of yet, but authorities are maintaining heightened alert. Phivolcs confirmed that Alert Level 3 remains in effect—this level, on a five-point scale, signals a high likelihood of lava flows and warns of a potentially dangerous eruption within weeks.
Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said the situation remains fluid, noting that future volcanic activity could lead to either an upgrade or downgrade in the alert level.
Explosive eruption (0551H) as viewed by the IP camera at Lower Masulog, Canlaon City- VKLM (442 m asl, southeast flank).#KanlaonVolcano pic.twitter.com/5dcRJaG7dw
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) April 8, 2025
A rapid rise of magma toward the surface could trigger a more explosive eruption, prompting a shift to Alert Level 4. If activity slows, however, the alert may be downgraded to Level 2.
Mount Kanlaon straddles the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. It last erupted in December 2024, leading to the evacuation of thousands of residents, many of whom remain in emergency shelters as the volcano continues to show signs of restiveness, according to the Office of Civil Defence.
The Philippines sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making it prone to frequent seismic and volcanic activity. Mount Kanlaon is one of 24 active volcanoes across the country.
The situation is being closely monitored by authorities, with further advisories expected depending on the volcano’s behaviour in the coming days.
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