The Philippine government has ordered residents living near Kanlaon Volcano to evacuate after the volcano erupted, sending ash plumes as high as 5 kilometers into the air.
The volcanic eruption on Negros Island in the Philippines lasted for 6 minutes on June 3 (local time), causing a strong earthquake that forced workers and schools in the nearby city of Canlaon to suspend operations. Residents living along rivers below the volcano were instructed to evacuate and cease all non-essential business activities. Meanwhile, three airlines canceled 32 flights on June 4.
Jose Chubasco Cardenas, the Mayor of Canlaon City in Negros Oriental province, stated: “Please go to the nearest evacuation centers, stay vigilant, and prepare essential items like water and food.”
On June 4, Philippine government officials warned of the possibility of further eruptions from Kanlaon Volcano, including hazardous ash emissions and sulfur odors. They noted the risk of flash floods, mudslides, and other hazards in downstream rivers.
Kanlaon Volcano erupting ash plumes on June 3, photo taken from La Castellana town, Negros province, central Philippines – (Photo: AFP).
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology announced it has raised the volcano alert level from 1 to 2 on a 5-level scale on social media, warning of potential “explosive eruptions” to come.
The Philippine Seismic Agency advised the public to be cautious of volcanic ash.
Teresito Bacolcol, head of the Philippine Seismic Agency, told local radio: “We recommend that people wear masks to protect themselves from volcanic ash.”
In the nearby Negros Occidental province, over 700 people are taking refuge in evacuation centers. Governor Jose Lacson stated: “We advise them to stay at the evacuation centers, and for those who have not yet gone to the centers, I hope they reconsider.”
Farmers working in the rice fields at the foot of Kanlaon Volcano in a village in Canlaon, Negros Occidental province, Central Philippines on June 4, 2024 – a day after the volcanic eruption (Photo: AFP)
Currently, government agencies have not reported any missing persons, injuries, or fatalities since the eruption on June 3.
The local civil defense agency stated in an announcement on the evening of June 3 that response teams have been deployed to affected areas to evacuate residents to safety.
Kanlaon is one of 20 active volcanoes in the Philippines, and its most recent eruption occurred in December 2017.
The Philippines lies within the “Ring of Fire” of the Pacific, an area known for frequent volcanic and seismic activity.
