Kanlaon Volcano erupted again early Tuesday morning, May 13, blasting a thick ash plume and fiery debris into the sky, Phivolcs reported.
The five-minute “moderately explosive” eruption began at 2:55 a.m., sending a gray plume 3 kilometers high above the crater.
Ashfall was reported in parts of Negros Occidental, including La Carlota City (Cubay, San Miguel, Yubo, Ara-al), Bago City (Ilijan, Binubuhan), and La Castellana (Biak-na-Bato, Sag-ang, Mansalanao).
Rumbling sounds were heard in Barangay Pula, Canlaon City and in La Castellana.
Phivolcs said hot, fast-moving pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) flowed down the southern slope within 2 km of the crater. These are deadly clouds of gas and volcanic debris.
“Large ballistic fragments were also observed to have been thrown around the crater within a few hundred meters and caused burning of vegetation near the volcano summit,” Phivolcs added.
Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 3, meaning the volcano is in a state of magmatic unrest. More sudden and dangerous eruptions could happen anytime.
Phivolcs urged residents within the 6-km danger zone to stay evacuated due to the risk of PDCs, ashfall, rockfall, and flying debris.
People in ash-hit areas should wear masks or use wet cloths to avoid inhaling fine ash, especially those with health conditions, the elderly, pregnant women, and children.
Local officials are advised to stay ready for possible evacuations if volcanic activity worsens.
Heavy rains could trigger dangerous volcanic mudflows (lahars) along streams near the volcano, Phivolcs warned. Pilots are also advised to steer clear of the summit, as ash can damage aircraft engines.IMT
