Kanlaon Volcano Erupts in Explosive 6-Minute Event, Prompting Alert Level 2

On June 3, 2024, Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island, Philippines, erupted in an explosive 6-minute event, prompting authorities to raise the alert level to 2.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that the eruption occurred at 6:51 p.m. and produced a voluminous and incandescent plume that rapidly rose to 5,000 meters above the volcano. Probable short pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) were observed approximately 2 to 3 kilometers down the southern and southeastern slopes of Kanlaon.

Before the eruption, Phivolcs observed a relatively strong volcanic earthquake. The agency warned that the increasing unrest is driven by shallow magmatic processes, which may lead to further explosive eruptions or even a hazardous magmatic eruption.

Why this matters: The eruption of Kanlaon Volcano has significant implications for the safety of people living in the surrounding areas and highlights the importance of monitoring volcanic activity. The increased alert level and evacuation orders demonstrate the potential consequences of volcanic eruptions, including displacement and potential loss of life.

Communities on Kanlaon's western slopes reported coarse ashfall and sulfurous odors on Monday evening. Phivolcs advised affected residents to cover their nose and mouth with a damp, clean cloth or particulate mask. A 4-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone surrounding the volcano remains off-limits.

Prior to the eruption, Kanlaon had been under Alert Level 1 since March 11, 2020. However, Phivolcs noted that the volcano has shown above background earthquake activity for the past month, with sulfur dioxide averaging around 1,273 tons per day in 2024.

Following the eruption, two volcanic earthquakes were recorded. The volcano's edifice is currently inflated, indicating a higher level of volcanic unrest. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for people residing within the 4-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).

Civil aviation authorities have been advised to inform pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano's summit, as ash from any sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft. The airspace across the volcano has been closed.

Kanlaon is one of 24 active volcanoes in the Philippines, which is located in the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire. The Philippines is prone to volcanic eruptions because of its location in this region, which hosts more than half of the world's volcanoes.

The recent eruption of Kanlaon Volcano highlights the ongoing volcanic activity in the region and the need for continued vigilance and preparedness among residents and authorities.

Key Takeaways

• Kanlaon Volcano in Philippines erupts on June 3, 2024, with 6-minute explosive event.
• Alert Level 2 raised due to voluminous plume and probable pyroclastic density currents.
• Residents near volcano advised to evacuate and take precautions against ashfall and gas.
• Volcano's unrest driven by shallow magmatic processes, potentially leading to further eruptions.
• Airspace closed and pilots warned to avoid flying near volcano due to ash hazard.