Powerful explosive eruption and pyroclastic flows at Kanlaon volcano force urgent evacuation of 87 000 people, Philippines
A powerful explosive eruption took place at Kanlaon volcano, Philippines at 15:03 LT (07:03 UTC) on December 9, 2024, producing a massive ash plume and pyroclastic flows. As a result, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the Alert Level to 3 and ordered urgent evacuation of 87 000 people living near the volcano.
The Kanlaon Volcano erupted on December 9 afternoon, sending a column of ash and smoke into the sky. The urgent evacuation of 87 000 people is already underway. Image credit: PHIVOLCS
A powerful explosive eruption, lasting 7 minutes, took place at Kanlaon volcano on Negros Island, Philippines, on Monday, December 9, producing a large ash plume that rose to about 6.7 km (22 000 feet) above sea level (a.s.l.) and drifted west-southwest.
Pyroclastic density currents or PDCs descended the slopes on the general southeastern edifice based on IP and thermal camera monitors.
As a result, PHIVOLCS raised the Alert Level from 2 to 3, indicating the start of a magmatic eruption that may progress to further explosive eruptions.
All local government units were advised to evacuate the 6 km (3.7 miles) radius from the summit of the volcano and be prepared for additional evacuation if activity warrants.
In Bago City, residents of all barangays near Kanlaon were advised to stay indoors, while residents in villages near the foot of the volcano were advised to wear masks for protection.
The Civil Aviation Authority also warned pilots to steer clear of the area due to the dangers posed by ash and debris.
An urgent evacuation operation is in progress as the threat of eruption from Kanlaon volcano intensifies, affecting approximately 87 000 residents in surrounding areas, PHIVOLCS reports.
The Department of National Defense – Philippines Secretary and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Chairman Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. has activated the National Inter-agency Coordinating Cell (IACC) to lead response efforts. Starting December 10, member agencies will report for in-person duty at the NDRRMOC to enhance coordination.
The situation is critical in La Castellana, where approximately 46 900 individuals reside within the 4 – 6 km (2.5 – 3.7 miles) danger zone.
Authorities are closely monitoring Barangay Sag-ang due to prevailing westward winds increasing the risk of ashfall.
Transportation support is urgently needed to evacuate residents from Barangay Cabagnaan, as well as affected communities in Himamaylan, Hinigaran, Isabela, Pontevedra, and Moises Padilla. A staging area has been established in front of the La Castellana municipal hall, with schools with suspended classes designated as evacuation centers.
Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City has been identified as the primary evacuation center for a worst-case scenario, with a capacity to accommodate up to 30 000 evacuees. Water tanks will be prepositioned at evacuation centers to ensure a sufficient supply.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is mobilizing resources, including the distribution of 2 100 face masks and 1 000 family hygiene kits to Bacolod City. Additional support, including a water filtration truck from the OCD Rapid Deployment Team, has been requested.
Ashfall has been reported in Guimaras, while Bago City has recorded ashfall and sulfur odors in several barangays, prompting ongoing evacuations. Immediate needs in Bago City include face masks and additional support for evacuees. In San Carlos, while evacuations have not yet begun, La Carlota City has reported sulfur odors and minor ashfall.
In Negros Oriental (Region VII), 50 families have been evacuated to Española Memorial School, with forced evacuations ongoing for approximately 1 800 families (5 000 individuals) in five barangays within the 6 km (3.7 miles) danger zone. The OCD has activated Task Force Kanlaon, chaired by RD Raul Fernandez, to oversee operations across Regions VI and VII.
Military units from the 303rd and 302nd Infantry Divisions are providing additional support. Anticipated needs in evacuation centers include face masks, food packs, and family packs.
Secretary Teodoro has directed the OCD Western Visayas Regional Director to assume command of Task Force operations, ensuring comprehensive monitoring and assessment. The IACC will manage the situation from Bago City, with representatives from regional agencies contributing to the integrated response plan.
PHIVOLCS has prohibited entry into the 6 km (4 miles) of the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and continues to monitor the volcano closely. Authorities are preparing for a potential escalation to Alert Level 4 which would indicate an imminent hazardous eruption.
Residents and local governments are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to evacuation orders. PHIVOLCS stressed the need for continuous updates to minimize risks from ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and possible lava flows.
Kanlaon showed signs of increasing activity before today’s eruption. It released 4 638 metric tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and emitted a steady plume rising 300 m (984 feet) on December 8. 6 volcanic earthquakes were detected in 24 hours and ground deformation data revealed the volcano was inflating. A single ash emission lasting 16 minutes was also observed during this period.
PHIVOLCS observed continuous gas emissions and occasional ash eruptions from late October to early December. Daily volcanic earthquakes ranged from 5 to 26, indicating ongoing magmatic activity beneath the volcano.
Kanlaon volcano, an active andesitic stratovolcano, is the tallest peak on Negros Island and in the Visayas region, standing at 2 465 m (8 067 feet).
It has erupted over 40 times since 1866, mostly causing steam-driven explosions and ashfall in nearby areas. The summit has a 2 km (1.2 mile) wide caldera and an active crater called Lugud.
The volcano is located in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” the volcano is part of a tectonic zone known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.
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An eruption claimed the lives of 3 hikers in 1996 showing the risks of unexpected volcanic activity. The volcano is also known for producing the largest recorded debris avalanche in the Philippines which traveled 33 km (20 miles) to the southwest.
References:
1 Kanlaon Volcano: Raising Alert Level 2 to 3 – PHIVOLCS – December 9, 2024
2 Kanlaon Volcano Summary of 24Hr Observation 09 December 2024 12:00 AM – PHIVOLCS – December 9, 2024
3 Kanlaon geological summary – GVP – December 9, 2024
Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.
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