Kanlaon Volcano Sends Up 30-Minute Ash Plume

 

Kanlaon Volcano Sends Up 30-Minute Ash Plume on Sunday Morning, Alert Level 2 Maintained

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Kanlaon Volcano, straddling the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, exhibited a significant period of unrest on Sunday morning, with a grayish ash emission lasting for half an hour over its summit crater.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the ash emission event began at 6:47 a.m. and lasted until 7:17 a.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2025.

Plume Rises 300 Meters, Drifts Southeast

According to a bulletin released by PHIVOLCS, the event generated a visible plume that rose approximately 300 meters (about 984 feet) above the crater rim. Observations from the Kanlaon Volcano Observatory (KVO) IP Camera noted that the plumes were grayish in color and drifted to the southeast, indicating the direction of potential light ashfall.

Despite the 30-minute duration of the emission, PHIVOLCS maintained the volcano’s status at Alert Level 2 (Increased Unrest), which has been in effect due to ongoing signs of shallow magmatic or hydrothermal activity.

Increased Volcanic Activity Precedes Emission

The emission follows a week of elevated parameters monitored by the agency. The 24-hour observation period prior to the event recorded:

• Seismicity: Three volcanic earthquakes were logged on Saturday, indicating fracturing within the volcano's edifice.

• Gas Emissions: A significant volume of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2​) gas was released, totaling 2,968 tons per day on Saturday—a notable increase from the previous day’s 1,238 tons. High SO2​ flux suggests the continuous ascent of magma and degassing beneath the volcano.

• Plume: On Saturday, a separate, more voluminous plume was also observed, which rose up to 1,000 meters and drifted east-northeast.

Safety Warnings Remain in Effect

PHIVOLCS has reminded the public and local government units that the current Alert Level 2 status carries a heightened risk of sudden phreatic (steam-driven) or small-scale magmatic eruptions.

The agency strongly reiterated the following warnings:

1. Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ): Entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone remains strictly prohibited due to the possibility of sudden explosions, rockfalls, and other hazards.

2. Aviation: Pilots are advised to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit, as airborne ash can pose a serious threat to aircraft safety.

3. Community Vigilance: Nearby communities are advised to remain vigilant against potential hazards. While the plume's height was relatively low, the extended duration of the ash emission suggests sustained internal unrest.

Local disaster management officials are monitoring wind patterns and prepared to issue localized advisories for light ashfall, urging residents to secure their homes, use face masks, and protect water sources from potential contamination.