The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology confirmed the latest eruption of Kanlaon Volcano in the island of Negros, shooting a column of ash on Tuesday evening. According to Phivolcs advisory, the activity took place at approximately 6:20 p.m. and lasted for approximately 12 minutes.
Phivolcs said the eruptions “was accompanied by a booming sound” that was heard throughout several barangays in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental and others in Negros Oriental.
The eruption of Mount Kanlaon happened barely 3 months since its last eruption last December 27, 2015 which sends ash to some parts of the neighboring provinces of Negros Occidental.
According to Phivolcs, Kanlaon is one of the 21 active volcanoes in the country and its recent eruption is just another proof that the volcano is indeed active.
Superintendent Frankie Lugo, Canlaon City police chief stated that the eruption occured at past 6:00 PM. Phivolcs also confirmed the eruption but said “no lava flow effused from the summit crater.”
Instead, the agency said: “We do have reports that the eruption ejected hot rocks that may have set a bush fire on the Masulog side of Canlaon City. These reports have yet to be confirmed.”
The volcano spewed ash to as high as 4,921 feet (1,500 meters), Phivolcs said. The agency also issued Alert #1 means the volcano is at an abnormal condition and is in a period of current unrest.
A 4-kilometere area around Kanlaon is now considered a “Permanent Danger Zone” – the civil aviation authorities advised pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit.
