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.

LPA, ITCZ to bring scattered rains to Mindanao, Palawan

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Apr 28, 2025 08:25 AM 

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday, April 28 said Mindanao and Palawan may experience scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the combined effects of the low pressure area (LPA) and Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

PAGASA weather specialist Daniel James Villamil said that while the LPA has a low chance of becoming a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours, the possibility of it developing into a tropical depression in the coming days is not ruled out.

The first cyclone of 2025 will be named “Auring,” based on PAGASA’s list of tropical cyclone names.

As of 3 a.m., the LPA was located 695 kilometers east of General Santos City, embedded within the ITCZ.

Within 24 hours, the LPA is expected to bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms to Davao Region and Soccksargen, and other parts of Mindanao and Palawan due to the ITCZ.

The ITCZ is a weather system where winds from the northern and southern hemispheres converge and form rain-bearing clouds.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country will continue to experience hot and humid conditions due to the easterlies, which are warm winds from the Pacific Ocean. 

From Tuesday to Wednesday, April 29 to 30, Villamil said scattered rains and thunderstorms may persist over parts of Mindanao and Palawan due to the ITCZ.

Hot conditions, along with isolated showers or thunderstorms, may prevail over the rest of the country.

From Thursday to Friday, May 1 to 2, Villamil said the combined effects of the LPA and ITCZ will bring rainy conditions to parts of Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Visayas, and Mindanao, while the easterlies will continue to bring hot weather with isolated showers or thunderstorms over the rest of Luzon. 

26 areas may experience 42°C or higher heat index on April 25

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Apr 25, 2025 09:43 AM 

Heat index map (PAGASA)

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that 26 areas across the country could record heat indices of 42 degrees Celsius (°C) to 45°C, which fall under the “danger” category for heat-related illnesses, on Friday, April 25.

Based on PAGASA’s forecast, Dagupan City in Pangasinan may register the highest heat index at 45 degrees Celsius (°C).

A heat index of 44°C may also be felt in Iba, Zambales; Tanauan, Batangas; and Coron, Palawan. 

Meanwhile, a 43°C may be recorded in Bacnotan, La Union; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Cuyo, Palawan; Masbate City, Masbate; Pili, Camarines Sur; and Dumangas, Iloilo.

Areas that could experience a 42°C heat index include Echague, Isabela; Baler, Aurora; Muñoz, Nueva Ecija; Olongapo City, Zambales; San Ildefonso, Bulacan; Cavite City, Cavite; Infanta, Quezon; Legazpi City, Albay; Roxas City, Capiz; Mambusao, Capiz; Iloilo City, Iloilo; and La Carlota, Negros Occidental.

PAGASA classifies heat indices between 42°C and 51°C as dangerous.

At this level, people are at increased risk of heat cramps and heat exhaustion, while prolonged exposure may lead to heatstroke, especially among vulnerable populations. 

Moreover, PAGASA weather specialist Grace Castañeda said the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) will continue to bring cloudy skies, scattered rains, and thunderstorms to Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

The rest of Mindanao may also experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, hot and humid conditions will persist in Luzon and Visayas due to the easterlies, although localized thunderstorms remain possible.

As of Friday, Castañeda said PAGASA has not monitored any low-pressure areas or tropical cyclones inside the country’s area of responsibility.

Heat index in Metro Manila, 17 other areas could hit ‘danger’ levels on April 16

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Apr 16, 2025 10:14 AM 

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that 18 areas, including Pasay City in Metro Manila, could experience a heat index reaching the “danger” threshold of 42 degrees Celsius (°C) or higher on Wednesday, April 16.

Based on its forecast, PAGASA said Los Baños, Laguna may record the highest heat index of the day at 50°C, after also registering the highest heat index on April 15.

Other areas that could experience heat indices between 42°C and 47°C include Pasay City, Metro Manila (42°C); Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (42°C); Iba, Zambales (42°C); Clark, Pampanga (42°C); Coron, Palawan (42°C); San Jose, Occidental Mindoro (42°C); Pili, Camarines Sur (42°C); Roxas City, Capiz (42°C); Iloilo City, Iloilo (42°C); Dumangas, Iloilo (42°C); Echague, Isabela (43°C); Baler, Aurora (43°C); Catarman, Northern Samar (43°C); Tarlac City, Tarlac (44°C); Cavite City, Cavite (44°C); Tanauan, Batangas (44°C); and San Ildefonso, Bulacan (47°C).

Heat index values between 42°C and 51°C are categorized by PAGASA as “dangerous.”

At this level, the risk of heat cramps and heat exhaustion increases significantly and prolonged exposure may lead to heatstroke, especially for vulnerable groups.

READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/15/planning-to-head-out-minimize-sun-exposure-between-10-a-m-and-4-p-m-pagasa-advises

Planning to head out? Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., PAGASA advises

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Apr 15, 2025 09:25 AM

  

---

Photo from Pixabay

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) advised the public to limit exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., especially during the Holy Week, when hot and humid conditions are expected across the country.

From Wednesday to Sunday, April 16 to 20, PAGASA said the whole archipelago will be affected by the easterlies, which may cause high temperatures in several areas.

PAGASA warned that midday heat, combined with humidity, increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially during the hottest hours of the day—from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Although brief rain showers or thunderstorms may occur in the afternoon or evening, they are not expected to provide substantial relief from the daytime heat.

To stay safe, PAGASA advised the public to stay hydrated, wear light-colored and breathable clothing, and take regular breaks in shaded or cool areas.

ITCZ to bring rain to E. Visayas, Mindanao; easterlies to heat up rest of PH

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Apr 11, 2025 09:32 AM

  

---

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday, April 11 said the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) will continue to cause rainy conditions in Eastern Visayas and Mindanao, while the easterlies will bring hot and humid weather to the rest of the country.

PAGASA said the ITCZ will bring cloudy skies, scattered rains, and thunderstorms to Eastern Visayas, Caraga, Davao Region, Northern Mindanao, and Soccsksargen.

Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms may also persist in the rest of Mindanao.

The ITCZ forms when winds from the northern and southern hemispheres converge, leading to the formation of rain-bearing clouds.

Residents affected by the ITCZ are warned of the possibility of flash floods or landslides, particularly during moderate to heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, the easterlies will bring hot and humid conditions across the rest of the country, with a chance of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon or evening.

The easterlies are warm winds originating from the Pacific Ocean. 

PAGASA advised the public to remain vigilant during severe thunderstorms, which could trigger flash floods or landslides.

Weather specialist Chenel Dominguez said PAGASA had not monitored any low-pressure areas or tropical cyclones near or within the country’s area of responsibility as of Friday.

High chance of rain across parts of Mindanao, Palawan due to ITCZ — PAGASA

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Apr 6, 2025 09:52 AM

  

---

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Sunday, April 6 warned of scattered light to heavy rains across parts of Mindanao and Palawan over the next 24 hours.

PAGASA said the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)—which occurs when winds from the northern and southern hemispheres converge—will bring cloudy skies, scattered rains, and thunderstorms to Davao Region, Soccsksargen, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Palawan.

Residents in these areas are warned of the possibility of flash floods or landslides, particularly during moderate to heavy rainfall. 

Meanwhile, the rest of the country is expected to experience generally partly cloudy to cloudy conditions, with a chance of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon or evening, due to the easterlies.

The easterlies are warm winds from the Pacific Ocean.

PAGASA also advised the public to remain vigilant during severe thunderstorms, as these could trigger flash floods or landslides.

42 to 46°C heat index possible in 7 areas on March 28 — PAGASA

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Mar 27, 2025 06:48 PM

  

---

PAGASA

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that seven areas may experience a heat index ranging from 42 to 46 degrees Celsius (°C) on Friday, March 28.

A heat index between 42°C and 51°C is considered “dangerous,” as heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely, and heatstroke may occur with prolonged exposure.

PAGASA identified the following areas that could reach dangerous heat index levels on Friday: Dagupan City, Pangasinan (46°C); General Santos City, South Cotabato (43°C); Aparri, Cagayan (42°C); Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (42°C); Cubi Pt. Subic Bay, Olongapo City, Zambales (42°C); Sangley Pt., Cavite City, Cavite (42°C); and Cuyo, Palawan (42°C). 

The public is urged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and avoid prolonged sun exposure to prevent heat-related illnesses.

READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2025/3/3/how-pagasa-s-heat-index-reports-help-you-prepare

Phivolcs to unveil Central Digos Fault atlas to mitigate earthquake risks in Davao Region

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Mar 16, 2025 11:13 AM 

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) will launch the Central Digos Fault Atlas on Monday, March 17 to provide detailed maps of the fault and identify areas at risk of group rupture to aid in earthquake preparedness and disaster risk reduction.

The atlas offers high-resolution maps of the Central Digos Fault (CDF) in Digos City, Davao del Sur, which highlights vulnerable infrastructure, including commercial, residential, and industrial areas.

“The release of this atlas will empower communities, particularly the local government units, residents, and stakeholders of Digos City, to prepare for earthquake hazards. The Central Digos Fault Atlas will serve as a guide for science-based land use planning, zoning ordinance formulation, and disaster risk reduction,” Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said.

Mapped as part of Phivolcs’ Sigma Project, the CDF spans 18 kilometers through several barangays, including Goma, Dulangan, and Ruparan.

The fault, identified in 2019, has the potential to generate a magnitude 6.6 earthquake, which could cause destructive ground shaking (Intensity VIII on the Phivolcs Earthquake Intensity Scale) in Digos City and surrounding areas.

The Sigma Project, a Department of Science and Technology Grants-in-Aid initiative under the Accelerated Earthquake Multihazards Mapping and Risk Assessment Program (ACER), aims to identify the location and subsurface features of active faults, assess potential earthquake magnitudes and recurrence intervals, and produce active fault maps and databases to support earthquake hazard mitigation efforts for various stakeholders, including the scientific community, engineers, urban planners, and government units.

Easterlies to bring scattered rains over parts of Mindanao

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Mar 5, 2025 09:17 AM 

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Wednesday, March 5 that the easterlies, or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, will continue to be the country's dominant weather system.

PAGASA said the easterlies will bring scattered rains and thunderstorms to Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Sarangani, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

Residents in these areas are advised to remain vigilant due to the possibility of flash floods or landslides, particularly during moderate to heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy weather with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

PAGASA weather specialist Rhea Torres said the cold breeze from the northeast monsoon, or “amihan,” will return in the next few days but may only affect parts of Northern Luzon. 

The rest of the country will continue to experience warm weather.

Heat index 

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, PAGASA forecasts the heat index to reach dangerous levels in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro (42 degrees Celsius); Legazpi City, Albay (43℃); Virac, Catanduanes (43℃); and Pili, Camarines Sur (43℃).

PAGASA classifies heat indices between 42°C and 51°C as within the “danger level,” which indicates a higher likelihood of heat-related issues such as cramps, exhaustion, and an increased risk of heat stroke with continued activity.

READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2025/3/3/how-pagasa-s-heat-index-reports-help-you-prepare

Magnitude 5.4 quake rocks Davao del Sur — Phivolcs

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Mar 4, 2025 10:34 AM 

Phivolcs

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported a 5.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Davao del Sur on Tuesday morning, March 4.

The tremor occurred at 9:42 a.m., with its epicenter 2 kilometers southwest of Matanao, Davao del Sur.

Phivolcs said the earthquake was felt at Intensity V (strong) in Matanao and Magsaysay in Davao del Sur.

It was recorded at Intensity IV (moderately strong) in Kidapawan City in Cotabato, Malungon in Sarangani, and Tampakan and Tupi in South Cotabato.

Meanwhile, it was felt at Intensity III (weak) in Magpet in Cotabato,  Davao City in Davao del Sur, General Santos City and Banga in South Cotabato, and President Quirino and Columbio in Sultan Kudarat.

The tremor was “slightly felt” (Intensity II) in Pikit in Cotabato, Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental, Kiamba in Sarangani, Surall, Norala, Santo Niño and T’boli in South Cotabato, and Lambayong and Isulan in Sultan Kudarat, while it was “scarcely perceptible” (Intensity I) in Don Marcelino in Davao Occidental, Nabunturan in Davao de Oro, Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, and Esperanza, Kalamansig, and Bagumbayan in Sultan Kudarat.

Phivolcs said the earthquake was tectonic in origin, resulting from the movement of an active fault in the area.

The agency advised the public to remain vigilant as aftershocks may follow.