Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
Kanlaon Volcano Erupts in the Philippines, Prompting School Suspensions
An eruption occurred at Kanlaon Volcano in the central Philippines early Tuesday, spewing an ash plume approximately 2.5 miles skyward. The volcanic activity led authorities to halt classes in four villages due to the resulting ashfall. This recent eruption at Kanlaon Volcano, one of 24 active volcanoes in the island nation, follows a previous eruption in December, with sections of Negros island remaining under evacuation orders.
Volcanic Eruption Details
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported no immediate accounts of injuries or destruction from Tuesday’s eruption. However, ashfall was dispersed across at least four agricultural villages.
Phivolcs stated that the “explosive eruption” commenced at 5:51 a.m. local time.
According to the agency’s statement, the volcano emitted “a significant bent plume, reaching about 4,000 meters in altitude and drifting in a southwest direction.”
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Eruption Timeline and Visual Accounts
The vulcanian eruption ceased at 6:47 a.m. local time (6:47 p.m. EDT Monday), as confirmed in a later report by the institute.
Social media videos captured a substantial, billowing column of smoke slowly extending upwards.
Local Preparedness and Response
John De Asis, a rescue official in La Castellana municipality, Negros Occidental province, informed AFP that local communities were prepared for the event. “We were prepared for the eruption. Families residing within the 4 to 6 kilometer radius were evacuated following the December eruption,” De Asis stated.
Channel Nicor, 22, recounted her experience during the eruption while waiting for school transport. “The sound resembled a large rock falling from a great height. Upon looking up, I witnessed the ash cloud expanding from the volcano,” Nicor told AFP.
“Upon observing the ash, I felt apprehensive, yet less so than during the prior eruption, as we are now more informed on appropriate responses,” she added.
Alert Level Unchanged
The alert level remained at level three—on a scale reaching five—consistent with the level implemented during the December eruption.
Expert Perspective on Volcanic Activity
Ben Edwards, a geosciences professor at Dickinson College, previously noted that volcanic eruptions are frequent global events.
“The Earth’s surface comprises tectonic plates, with most activity concentrated at plate boundaries. These zones are prone to earthquakes, volcanoes, and related phenomena. This widespread activity reflects our planet’s dynamic nature, where the surface beneath us is in constant, albeit gradual, motion,” Edwards explained.
Previous Volcanic Events at Kanlaon
In September, prior to this event, hundreds of residents in close proximity were evacuated after Kanlaon released substantial volumes of volcanic gases in a single day.
Tragically, in 1996, three hikers perished near the summit when Kanlaon erupted unexpectedly. Several others were rescued subsequently, officials reported.
Location of Kanlaon Volcano
Geographic Context
Kanlaon Volcano is situated in the central Philippines, within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a seismically and volcanically active region. The Philippine archipelago also experiences approximately 20 typhoons and storms annually, classifying it as one of the most disaster-susceptible nations globally.