Eruption at Kanlaon volcano triggers preparation for Alert Level 4, Philippines
An eruption at Kanlaon volcano emitted a dark ash plume reaching 1.2 km (0.75 miles) on Monday, December 23, 2024. Communities within a 6 km (3.7 miles) radius of the summit crater must remain evacuated due to the danger of pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles and ashfall, lava flows, rockfalls, and other related hazards. Local government units were advised to prepare for potential escalation to Alert Level 4.
Eruption at Kanlaon volcano on December 23, 2024. Image credit: PHIVOLCS
Kanlaon volcano erupted again at 11:05 LT (03:05 UTC) on December 23, sending an ash plume approximately 1 200 m (4 000 feet) high. The ash plume drifted west-northwest, affecting communities in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported ongoing dark ash emissions caused by gas-driven explosions and low-frequency volcanic earthquakes.
PHIVOLCS recorded at least 15 volcanic earthquakes within 24 hours leading up to the event.
“Since 11:45 LT, dark ash has been issuing from the summit of Kanlaon volcano accompanied by weak low frequency volcanic earthquakes. This has produced a dark plume roughly 1.2 km tall that is drifting to the northwest,” PHIVOLCs said.
PHIVOLCS advised residents to wear N95 masks or use damp cloths as a precaution against ashfall. They also warned that pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) and lahars could pose risks during heavy rainfall.
The Task Force Kanlaon, led by Raul Fernandez, Director of the Office of Civil Defense Western Visayas, conducted an emergency meeting. Communities within a 6 km (3.7 miles) radius of the summit crater must remain evacuated due to the danger of pyroclastic density currents or PDCs, ballistic projectiles and ashfall, lava flows, rockfalls and other related hazards.
Representatives from various government agencies, including the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), discussed preparedness for a potential escalation to Alert Level 4, which could indicate major ground deformation and an increased likelihood of hazardous eruptions.
Local government units and DRRM councils must also vigilantly monitor weather conditions in case heavy rainfall occurs and generates lahars and sediment-laden streamflows in channels draining the southern flanks of the volcano.
Specifically, barangays of La Castellana and Canlaon City that have been impacted by PDCs, as well as barangays downstream of these especially those that have experienced lahars and muddy streamflows in June 2024, could be affected by channel-confined lahars of in case of heavy rains.
Evacuation efforts remain ongoing, with local government units (LGUs) tasked with implementing contingency plans.
Authorities are assessing evacuation centers for resources like portable toilets and essential supplies.
Eugenio Jose Lacson, Negros Occidental Governor, focused on maintaining the current evacuation radius without expanding it to 10 km (6.2 miles) unless conditions worsen.
PHIVOLCS recorded sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions at 7 200 tonnes per day on December 22. This level of gas release indicated magmatic intrusion, driving the volcano’s unrest. Ground deformation data showed inflation of the volcano’s edifice, signaling increased pressure within the magma chamber.
The previous explosive eruption produced an ash plume rising to 4 km (2.5 miles) on December 9. The event marked an increase in activity, prompting authorities to raise the Alert Level to 3.
The eruption caused widespread ashfall and PDCs with 87 000 residents in surrounding areas instructed to evacuate.
Kanlaon has experienced multiple eruptions over its documented history, often resulting in phreatic explosions and ashfall. Its geological structure includes andesitic and basaltic lava flows, with a summit featuring a 2 km (1.2 miles) wide caldera and the active Lugud crater.
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References:
1 BULKANG KANLAON Summary of 24-hour monitoring – PHIVOLCS – December 23, 2024
2 Kanlaon – GVP – Accessed on December 23, 2024
3 Task Force Kanlaon calls for mandatory evacuations – Philippine News Agency – December 23, 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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