Mount Kanlaon Erupts Prompting Evacuations and Flight Cancellations in the Philippines

A powerful eruption from Mount Kanlaon in the central Philippines has led to the evacuation of hundreds of residents and the cancellation of multiple flights in the region. The volcano unleashed a massive plume of ash and steam, reaching a height of three miles and triggering an alarming earthquake. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported the eruption, which included a series of volcanic earthquakes in the vicinity.

Images circulated on social media captured the dramatic eruption, displaying a towering ash cloud against the night sky and a thick layer of ash settling over nearby communities. The eruption caused significant disruption, with over 60 flights from various domestic carriers canceled, affecting more than 5,000 passengers. Despite the challenges, the Bacolod-Silay Airport managed to resume operations on Tuesday morning, albeit with expected delays.

Following the escalation of alert levels to 2 out of 5, local authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders for all residents residing within a 3-kilometer radius of Mount Kanlaon. Canlaon City Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas urged residents to heed the evacuation directives, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and vigilance in the face of potential risks.

Mount Kanlaon, situated on Negros Island, is recognized as one of the 24 seismically active volcanoes in the Philippines. It straddles two provinces, towering at an elevation of 8,086 feet above sea level. The country’s placement along the Ring of Fire, a region known for seismic activities and volcanic eruptions, underscores the ongoing monitoring and preparedness efforts necessary for such volcanic events.