NEGROS ISLAND, Philippines — Kanlaon Volcano continues to show signs of unrest, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reporting another voluminous ash emission Saturday, August 22, prompting authorities to warn communities in the Negros Island Region about possible ashfall.
The latest ash emission occurred at around 11:23 a.m., according to PHIVOLCS. The ash plume rose approximately 150 meters above the summit crater before being carried toward the southeast by strong winds.
The development came only hours after PHIVOLCS documented superheated plume activity at the volcano’s crater late Friday night, from approximately 11:05 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Alert Level 2 remains in effect
Despite the latest activity, Alert Level 2 remains in effect over Kanlaon Volcano, indicating a moderate level of volcanic unrest.
PHIVOLCS said its 24-hour monitoring recorded eight volcanic earthquakes between Friday and Saturday. The volcano also released approximately 2,092 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on Friday, while moderate plumes reached as high as 100 meters and drifted generally eastward and southwestward at different times.
Authorities continue to closely monitor the volcano because its current activity may still produce sudden hazardous events.
PHIVOLCS has warned of possible sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions as well as signs of precursory magmatic activity.
Communities warned about possible ashfall
The Office of Civil Defense–Negros Island Region has advised communities in the region to take precautions against possible ashfall following Saturday’s ash emission.
The direction of ash movement remains dependent on prevailing winds. In the latest event, the plume was reported to have moved toward the southeast, raising the possibility of ashfall in areas along its path.
Residents in potentially affected areas are advised to remain alert, monitor official announcements and avoid unnecessary exposure to volcanic ash.
4-kilometer danger zone remains off-limits
PHIVOLCS continues to prohibit entry into Kanlaon’s 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).
Aircraft are likewise prohibited from flying close to the volcano because of the continuing volcanic unrest.
Kanlaon straddles Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, making its activity a concern for communities across the Negros Island Region.
For now, authorities have not raised the alert level beyond Alert Level 2, but the continuing ash emissions and volcanic activity underscore the need for residents to remain vigilant.
The situation remains closely monitored, and any significant change in Kanlaon’s activity or alert status will depend on PHIVOLCS’ continuing assessment.
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