Schools closed, ashfall reported after explosive eruption at Kanlaon volcano, Philippines
An explosive eruption occurred at Kanlaon volcano on Negros Island, central Philippines, at 18:07 LT (10:07 UTC) on March 15, 2026, producing an ash plume rising more than 5 km (3.1 miles) above the summit and depositing ashfall across at least 54 barangays in 11 local government units. Monitoring data associated with the event recorded nine volcanic earthquakes and sulfur-dioxide emissions of about 1 085 tonnes per day. Authorities also reported vegetation fires on the volcano’s slopes and suspended classes in several municipalities on March 16 as a precaution.
Eruption at Kanlaon volcano on March 15, 2026. Credit: PHIVOLCS
A moderately explosive eruption occurred at Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island, central Philippines, at 18:07 LT (10:07 UTC) on March 15, producing an ash plume rising approximately 5 km (3.1 miles) above the summit crater.
Ashfall from the eruption affected at least 54 barangays across 11 local government units in the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, according to regional monitoring and local disaster management reports.
Monitoring by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded one moderately explosive eruption lasting about one minute, accompanied by two ash emission events lasting between 3 minutes and 229 minutes.
Seismic monitoring detected nine volcanic earthquakes, including two volcanic tremor episodes lasting between 3 and 229 minutes.
Gas monitoring measured sulfur-dioxide emissions of approximately 1 085 tonnes per day on March 15. The ash plume drifted toward the southeast, west, and east sectors, depending on prevailing winds during the eruption and subsequent emission events.
Ground deformation monitoring shows that the volcanic edifice remains inflated.
Local governments implemented precautionary measures following the eruption as ashfall spread across parts of Negros Island. Classes were suspended on March 16 in Himamaylan City, Moises Padilla, La Castellana, and Binalbagan in Negros Occidental to reduce exposure to ashfall.
Authorities also reported vegetation fires on the slopes of the volcano following the eruption. Emergency responders monitored several small fires believed to have been triggered by hot volcanic material or ashfall deposits, though no large wildfire spread was reported.
Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 2, indicating increased volcanic unrest. Under this alert level, PHIVOLCS maintains a 4 km (2.5 miles) Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) around the summit where entry is prohibited due to the risk of sudden explosions, rockfalls, and ballistic ejecta.
Volcanic ashfall can reduce visibility, contaminate water supplies, damage crops, and cause respiratory irritation. Local authorities advised residents in affected areas to limit outdoor exposure during ashfall events.
Kanlaon is among the most active volcanoes in the Philippines and has been experiencing intermittent eruptive activity since June 3, 2024, with several explosive eruptions recorded through 2025 and early 2026. The eruptions have usually produced short-lived explosive events and ash plumes rising several kilometers above the summit.
References:
1 Summary of 24-hr Observation for Kanlaon volcano – PHIVOLCS – March 16, 2026
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