Kanlaon Volcano in Negros province erupted explosively on Monday afternoon, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to raise its alert level to 3.
The eruption, which occurred at 3:03 PM, produced a massive plume that soared 3,000 meters above the volcano's summit vent and drifted southwest. Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) were observed descending the southeastern slopes, as confirmed by thermal camera and infrared imagery.
With the increased volcanic activity, PHIVOLCS elevated the alert level from 2 to 3, indicating magmatic unrest and the potential for further explosive eruptions. Local government units have been advised to evacuate residents within a six-kilometer radius of the summit and prepare for additional evacuations if necessary.
PHIVOLCS Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division chief Mariton Bornas described the eruption as "brief but strong." While the eruption has temporarily ceased, the elevated alert level signifies ongoing volcanic activity.
Prior to the eruption, Kanlaon Volcano exhibited heightened unrest, including six volcanic earthquakes, a 16-minute-long ash emission event, and the release of 4,638 tonnes of sulfur dioxide. Alert Level 2 was initially raised on June 3 following a previous explosive eruption.
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