A moderately explosive morning eruption at Kanlaon Volcano sent a massive ash plume drifting across the Visayas on Thursday, causing volcanic dush to fall on several areas in Negros and neighboring Cebu.
Mari Andylene Y. Quintia, resident volcanologist at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Kanlaon Observatory, said the 7:33 a.m. blast followed days of high sulfur dioxide emissions, signaling that shallow magma was driving the activity.
A loud, booming sound accompanying the eruption was heard in Canlaon City in Negros Oriental and the municipality of La Castellana in Negros Occidental, she said.
The eruption generated a dark gray plume that rose 2 to 3 kilometers above the crater before drifting toward the east, and strong winds carried the ashfall across the sea to Cebu, she said.
The Phivolcs also reported that poorly visible pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) descended the southeastern slopes, traveling approximately within a kilometer of the summit crater.
Drone footage showed the uptown area of Barangay Mabigo in Canlaon City, heavily blanketed in volcanic ash that covered homes, roads, and vegetation, turning much of the landscape gray, the city government reported.
Ashfall was also confirmed in Barangay Buluangan, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, while authorities continued to verify reports of ashfall in Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental.
Sulfuric odor was reported in Barangays Buluangan and Quezon in San Carlos City, Barangay Quezon in Don Salvador Benedicto, and Barangay Maao in Bago City in Negros Occidental.
In Cebu, Quintia confirmed that ashfall reached Balamban, Toledo, Pinamungajan, Aloguinsan, San Fernando, Bantayan, Talisay, Compostela, and Barili.
The ashfall also caused the cancellation of flights at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
Alert Level 2 remains maintained over Kanlaon Volcano, and entry into the 4-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited.
The public was strongly urged to wear face masks to minimize exposure to volcanic ash, take necessary safety precautions, stay indoors whenever possible, and keep doors and windows closed during ashfall events.
Quintia warned that the eruption could generate destructive lahar flows, especially with heavy rains expected over Negros Island. Residents in nearby areas are advised to stay vigilant and closely monitor official advisories.*
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