Kanlaon Volcano Alert Level May Be Raised If Explosive Eruptions Intensify

MANILA, Philippines – The alert status of Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island Region could be raised to Alert Level 3 if explosive eruptions become more frequent in the next few days, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Friday. This came after the volcano recorded a “moderately explosive eruption” last Wednesday at 7:33 a.m. which lasted for three minutes. The Phivolcs said it generated a "dense grayish eruption column" that rose approximately two to three kilometers from the summit crater. READ: Kanlaon Volcano sees ‘moderately explosive eruption’ – Phivolcs The volcano remains under Alert Level 2, which signifies increased unrest, since July 29, 2025. Prior to the July 9 eruption, Phivolcs recorded moderate levels of seismic activities, intermittent ash emission, and sustained volcanic gas emission rates. “Alert Level 2 is still maintained over Kanlaon Volcano but the alert status could be raised to Alert Level 3 should monitoring parameters escalate and explosive eruption recur in the next few days, or in effect become more frequent,” Phivolcs said in a bulletin. It also warned that “[a]n increase in the frequency of explosive eruption could promote ascent of intruding magma at depth and trigger the onset of fully magmatic eruption,” Phivolcs added. READ: Ashfall from Kanlaon blankets Negros, Cebu It also noted that an explosive eruption could trigger dangerous volcanic hazards within pre-determined zones of lava and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), and large volumes of ash over Central Visayas. With this, the Phivolcs recommended that communities residing within the four-kilometer permanent danger zone to be evacuated and beware of possible hazards such as PDCs, ballistic projectiles, rockfalls, volcanic gas, and others. It also advised pilots to avoid flying their aircrafts close to the volcano’s summit crater. /jpv