MT. KANLAON, a stratovolcano on Negros Island, erupted anew on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said an explosive eruption occurred at the summit vent at 3:03 p.m.
“The eruption produced a voluminous plume that rapidly rose to 3,000 meters above the vent and drifted west-southwest. Pyroclastic density currents or PDCs descended the slopes on the general southeastern edifice based on IP and thermal camera monitors,” the agency said.
Phivolcs raised Mt. Kanlaon’s alert level from 2 (increasing unrest) to 3, which means that there is a magmatic unrest.
This also means that a magmatic eruption has begun and it may progress to further explosive eruptions.
“All local government units are advised to evacuate the six-kilometer radius from the summit of the volcano and must be prepared for additional evacuation if activity warrants,” the agency added.
In Cebu, the Toledo City Health Department advised residents to wear masks, particularly those with respiratory conditions, and to minimize outdoor activities due to the potential health risks from air pollution.
Toledo City is located in the southwest part of Cebu Province facing Negros Island. / TPM, CDF