NEGROS, Philippines — Kanlaon Volcano dramatically erupted Tuesday morning, launching a towering 4,000-meter ash column into the sky and renewing concerns about potential hazards in the central Philippine islands.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported the explosive event began at 5:51 a.m. local time, with the volcanic plume drifting southwest and prompting immediate local safety measures.
This latest eruption continues a period of heightened volcanic activity for Kanlaon, which previously expelled significant gas volumes in September and experienced an eruption in December that forced widespread evacuations.
The volcano remains under a level three alert, indicating sustained volcanic unrest and potential threat to surrounding communities. Local authorities have recommended school cancellations and urged residents to remain vigilant.
Kanlaon, one of 24 active volcanoes in the Philippines, sits on Negros Island and has a history of intermittent but powerful eruptions. The current event underscores the volatile geological landscape of the Southeast Asian archipelago.
Residents and emergency management teams are monitoring the situation closely, with ash fall and potential additional eruptions remaining significant concerns.
Volcanic activity updates will be provided by local geological authorities as the situation develops.
