The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Monday, June 3, reported an ongoing eruption at Kanlaon Volcano, which started before 7 p.m. and produced a five-kilometer-high plume above the summit crater.

ERUPTION – Kanlaon Volcano spews thick plume as seen in this photo taken from Barangay Pula, Canlaon City in Negros Occidental on Monday night, June 3, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Ethan Asentista-Khoo)

In an advisory issued at 8 p.m., Phivolcs said Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island had an “explosive eruption” at 6:51 p.m.

“The eruption produced a voluminous and incandescent plume that rapidly rose to 5,000 meters above the vent and probable short pyroclastic density currents or PDCs approximately two to three kilometers down the southern and southeastern slopes based on IP and thermal camera monitors,” it said.

Based on Phivolcs’ seismic record, the eruption lasted six minutes and was preceded by a relatively strong volcano-tectonic earthquake.

It also received reports of “coarse ashfall and sulfurous odors” in communities along the volcano’s western slopes.

“As of present, only two weak volcanic earthquakes have been recorded. Kanlaon has been exhibiting above background earthquake activity for the past month and has been degassing relatively anomalous SO2 (sulfur dioxide) that has averaged approximately 1,273 tons per day for the year,” Phivolcs pointed out.

Alert level 2 up

Kanlaon Volcano’s alert level was raised from 1 to 2, as a result of its eruption, indicating “current unrest driven by shallow magmatic processes that could eventually lead to further explosive eruptions or even precede hazardous magmatic eruption.”

Before this, alert level 1 was in effect since March 11, 2020.

The public and local governments are strongly advised not to enter the four-kilometer permanent danger zone due to the increased risk of “sudden” explosions, rockfall, and landslides.

“In case of ash fall events that may affect communities downwind of Kanlaon’s crater, people should cover their nose and mouth with a damp, clean cloth or dust mask,” Phivolcs advised.

Civil aviation authorities have also been asked to advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit because ash from any sudden eruption may be dangerous to aircraft.