Volcanic unrest continues as Kanlaon erupts anew

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published May 13, 2025 07:51 am

A moderately explosive eruption occurred at Kanlaon Volcano early Tuesday, May 13, lasting five minutes and sending a towering ash plume 4.5 kilometers into the sky, reported the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

This is the fourth eruption of Kanlaon since June 3 and Dec. 9, 2024, and April 8, 2025.

Phivolcs said the eruption began at 2:55 a.m. and generated a “voluminous” grayish ash plume that drifted southwest. 

Rumbling sounds were also heard in Brgy. Pula, Canlaon City, and in La Castellana, Negros Occidental. 

Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) descended the southern slopes, reaching up to two kilometers from the crater, while large volcanic fragments were hurled within a few hundred meters of the summit, igniting nearby vegetation.

“Thin” ashfall was reported in parts of Negros Occidental, including Barangays Cubay, San Miguel, Yubo, and Ara-al in La Carlota City; Ilijan and Binubuhan in Bago City; and Biak-na-Bato, Sag-ang, and Mansalanao in La Castellana.

Phivolcs has maintained Alert Level 3 over Kanlaon, indicating ongoing magmatic unrest and an increased chance of further “short-lived moderately explosive eruptions.”

Residents within a six-kilometer radius of the crater are advised to remain evacuated due to the risk of pyroclastic flows, ashfall, and volcanic debris.

Local authorities are also urged to prepare for possible evacuation should the volcanic activity escalate.

Residents in affected areas are encouraged to take protective measures against ash inhalation, particularly vulnerable groups, including the elderly, infants, pregnant women, and individuals with respiratory conditions, who should exercise extra caution.

Phivolcs also warned of the potential for lahars during heavy rainfall.