The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the alert level of Kanlaon Volcano from 2 (increasing unrest) to 3 (magmatic unrest), following an “explosive eruption” on Monday afternoon, Dec. 9.
The eruption, which occurred at 3:03 p.m., produced a voluminous plume that rapidly ascended to 3,000 meters above the summit vent and drifted west-southwest.
Phivolcs said pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) descended the southeastern slopes, as detected by infrared and thermal camera monitors.
The agency warned that a magmatic eruption has begun, which could lead to further explosive eruptions.
Local government units have been urged to evacuate residents within the six-kilometer radius of the summit and to be prepared for additional evacuations if the situation worsens.