The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has warned of ashfall after Kanlaon Volcano began spewing ash plumes anew around midday on Monday, April 14, sending ash-laden clouds up to 800 meters above its summit crater.

The volcanic activity started around 11:52 a.m. and ended at 2:12 p.m.

As ash drifted west-northwest of the volcano, Phivolcs advised communities in La Carlota City and Bago City in Negros Occidental, as well as nearby areas, to take precautions as ashfall is expected.

Alert Level 3 remains in effect over Kanlaon Volcano, indicating increased volcanic unrest and an increased likelihood of hazardous eruptions.

Phivolcs reiterated that entry into the six-kilometer danger zone is strictly prohibited due to the threat of suddenexplosions.

Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors during ashfall, keep windows and doors closed, and wear face masks or use damp cloths to minimize health risks.

This marks the fourth significant explosive event from the active volcano in recent months, following eruptions on June 3 and Dec. 9, 2024, and recently on April 8.

Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol earlier explained that most of Kanlaon Volcano’s past eruptions have been phreatic—steam-driven explosions caused by the interaction of water with hot volcanic materials such as rocks or gases.

Following the April 8 eruption, Phivolcs warned that similar short-lived explosive events could occur in the near term.

However, there is also the possibility of escalation to magmatic activity, which could result in lava flows and lava fountaining.

The last recorded lava eruption from Kanlaon was in 1902.