Mount Kanlaon, one of the Philippines’ most active volcanoes, erupted on Thursday and sent a tall plume of ash and smoke over Negros Island. The eruption triggered fresh safety warnings, ashfall in nearby areas, and heightened alert for communities living close to the volcano. The 2,465-metre stratovolcano has remained under close monitoring because of repeated unrest in recent months.
Latest Eruption and Ashfall
The eruption produced a visible ash column that spread across parts of Negros and nearby areas. Past eruptions from Kanlaon have also affected islands such as Panay and Guimaras. Authorities warned that ashfall can reduce visibility, damage crops, and affect breathing conditions.
Danger Zone and Evacuation Measures
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has advised the public to stay away from the permanent danger zone around the volcano. The warning reflects the risk of sudden explosions, ash emissions, and volcanic flows. Tens of thousands of residents have previously been evacuated from towns such as La Castellana and nearby municipalities during periods of heightened activity.
Kanlaon’s Volcanic Profile
Kanlaon is the highest peak in the Visayas region and one of the most closely watched volcanoes in the Philippines. It has recorded repeated eruptions and ash emissions over the past year, showing continued instability. Its frequent activity makes it a major hazard for nearby settlements and a key focus of disaster preparedness in the region.
Impact on Communities and Monitoring
Disaster response teams remain on standby as authorities track possible further eruptions. Volcanic activity can disrupt daily life, agriculture, transport, and tourism in surrounding areas. Continuous monitoring is essential because sudden changes in volcanic behaviour can quickly raise the risk level for local communities.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026