Kanlaon Volcano, one of the Philippines’ most active volcanoes, experienced significant volcanic activity in 2024, erupting explosively twice—on June 3 and Dec. 9.
The alert level was raised twice following the eruptions.
June 3 eruption
The first eruption of the year took place on June 3 at 6:51 p.m. It was an explosive event, with a massive ash and gas plume reaching up to 5,000 meters above the volcano's summit.
The eruption lasted around six minutes, preceded by a strong volcano-tectonic earthquake.
Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs)—fast-moving clouds of gas, ash, and rock—flowed two to three kilometers down the volcano’s southern and southeastern slopes.
The eruption was followed by reports of ashfall and a sulfurous odor in nearby communities, particularly on the western slopes.
In response, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the alert level from 1 (abnormal) to 2 (increasing unrest), warning that the volcanic activity, driven by shallow magmatic processes, could lead to further eruptions or even hazardous magmatic events.
The eruption also triggered lahars, or volcanic mudflows, due to heavy rainfall, which deposited debris in nearby rivers and streams.
This led to road closures and posed risks to communities in lower areas.
Dec. 9 eruption
Kanlaon erupted again on Dec. 9, this time at 3:03 p.m. It occurred without a precursory earthquake, unlike the June eruption.
However, it was accompanied by infrasound signals, which are low-frequency sound waves typically produced by explosive volcanic activity.
The eruption produced another massive ash plume, rising 3,000 meters above the summit and drifting southwest.
Pyroclastic flows were observed descending the southeastern slopes of the volcano.
This eruption marked a significant shift in activity, as it was classified as magmatic—indicating the release of magma rather than just steam or gas.
In response to the increased danger, Phivolcs raised the alert level to 3 (magmatic unrest), signaling the beginning of a magmatic eruption and the potential for further explosive events.
The danger zone was extended from four to six kilometers, and residents in the extended area were evacuated.
Kanlaon is known for its frequent eruptions, but most of which are phreatic, driven by the buildup of steam and gas rather than magma.
Phivolcs said the last magmatic eruption occurred over a century ago, in 1902.
It continues to warn the public about the risks of further eruptions, ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and lahars following the two explosive eruptions.