Kanlaon Volcano continues to emit ash; Alert Level 2 remains in effect


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A screenshot of the time-lapse footage from the Kanlaon Volcano Observatory, captured between 5:41 a.m. and 5:46 a.m. and again from 7:46 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 2, 2024. It recorded grayish plumes rising 400 to 600 meters above the crater of Kanlaon Volcano. (Phivolcs Facebook page)

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Monday, Dec. 2 said Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island continued to emit ash plumes from its summit crater.

A time-lapse footage from the Kanlaon Volcano Observatory, captured between 5:41 a.m. and 5:46 a.m. and again from 7:46 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., recorded grayish plumes rising 400 to 600 meters above the crater.

The ash then drifted northwest and north-northwest.

Alert level 2 maintained

Phivolcs has maintained Alert Level 2 over Kanlaon Volcano, indicating that the volcano remains in a state of “increasing unrest.”

Under Alert Level 2, Kanlaon’s current volcanic activity could lead to eruptive unrest and a potential increase in alert level, it added.

Residents are strongly advised to remain vigilant and avoid entering the four-kilometer permanent danger zone to minimize risks from volcanic hazards, pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, and rockfalls.

In the event of ash fall, communities downwind should cover their noses and mouths with a damp, clean cloth or dust mask. 

In addition, civil aviation authorities are urged to prevent pilots from flying near the volcano’s summit, as ash and debris from sudden eruptions pose serious risks to aircraft.

Communities along river systems on the southern and western slopes, particularly those affected by lahars and muddy streamflows, should take precautions when heavy rainfall is forecast or underway.