Eruption at Kanlaon volcano produces pyroclastic flows, ash plume to 4 km (13 000 feet), Philippines
An explosive eruption at Kanlaon volcano in the Philippines on April 8, 2025, produced a 4 000 m (13 000 feet) high ash plume, pyroclastic flows, and ballistic fragments. Authorities have urged communities within 6 km (3.7 miles) of the summit crater to remain evacuated.
Eruption at Kanlaon volcano, Philippines on April 8, 2025. Credit: PHIVOLCS
The eruption took place at the summit crater and lasted approximately 56 minutes, producing a gray plume that rose to a height of 4 000 m (13 100 feet) before drifting west-southwest.
Large superheated ballistic fragments were ejected within a few hundred meters of the crater, burning vegetation near the volcano summit.
While ashfall and audible rumbling were reported in several nearby villages, including areas in Negros Occidental such as La Castellana, La Carlota City, and Bago City.
Pyroclastic flows descended the southern slopes of the volcano within 1 km (0.6 miles) of the crater, in the jurisdiction of La Castellana.
An explosive eruption is currently occurring at the summit vent of Kanlaon Volcano that began at 5:51 AM today, 8 April 2025. The eruption is producing a voluminous bent plume approximately 4,000 meters tall that is drifting southwest. Pyroclastic density currents or PDCs… pic.twitter.com/eFXChTMuIE
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) April 7, 2025
The eruption was preceded by short-term inflation of the southeastern edifice, which began on January 10.
Average sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions decreased from 4 014 tonnes per day since June 3, 2024, to 2 453 tonnes per day since March 1, 2025. This trend indicated a blockage of volcanic gas emissions, causing pressure buildup and swelling of the edifice, which contributed to the eruption.
Alert Level 3, indicating magmatic unrest, remains in effect for the volcano, as no volcanic earthquakes, ground deformation, or volcanic gas anomalies were recorded following the eruption. This means short-lived explosive eruptions may occur in the near term or potentially progress to lava eruptions with associated lava flows and lava fountaining activity.
Pilots have been advised to avoid flying near the summit, as volcanic ash from sudden eruptions may pose a significant hazard to aircraft.
The possibility of heavy rainfall could worsen the situation by eroding pyroclastic material and loose ash, potentially generating lahars in channels draining the southern and western slopes of the edifice.
A lahar is a rapidly flowing, dense mixture of volcanic material generated in water channels during heavy rains. It resembles a slurry of concrete and can carry debris ranging from rocks to entire structures.
Authorities have urged communities within 6 km (3.7 miles) of the summit crater to remain evacuated due to the risk of pyroclastic flows, ballistic projectiles, ashfall, lahars, and other volcanic hazards.
References:
1 Kanlaon volcano eruption bulletin- PHIVOLCS – April 8, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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