KANLAON VOLCANO ERUPTS VIOLENTLY; ASH PLUME REACHES 4,000 METERS, ALERT LEVEL 3 REMAINS IN EFFECT


April 8, 2025 | Negros Island, Philippines

KANLAON CITY – Mount Kanlaon, one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, erupted explosively at 5:51 AM today, April 8, 2025, sending a massive column of ash and gas approximately 4,000 meters into the atmosphere. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has confirmed that pyroclastic density currents (PDCs)—fast-moving flows of superheated gas and volcanic matter—descended the southern slopes of the volcano.

The eruption was detected through infrasound (IP) signals and thermal camera monitoring systems, indicating that the activity originated from the summit vent. The eruption plume drifted southwest, prompting authorities to issue advisories to communities downwind and to aviation routes in the Visayas.

Alert Level 3 remains in effect, signifying increased tendency towards a hazardous eruption. This level warns the public to avoid the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and remain vigilant for further explosive activity.

Recent Volcanic Activity in 2025

Kanlaon’s eruption comes amid a year marked by intensified volcanic unrest globally:

  • Taal Volcano in Batangas displayed elevated activity in early March, triggering steam-driven eruptions and sulfur dioxide emissions, prompting temporary evacuations.
  • Mayon Volcano in Albay remains at Alert Level 2 due to crater glow and increasing seismicity.
  • Globally, Mount Etna in Italy and Kīlauea in Hawaii also showed heightened eruptions earlier this year, underscoring increased geothermal instability worldwide.

PHIVOLCS is conducting 24/7 surveillance on Kanlaon and warns of potential lahar flows especially during heavy rainfall, which could mobilize volcanic debris downstream. Local governments in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental are on high alert and have activated contingency plans.

Public Safety Measures

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has advised aircraft to avoid flying near Kanlaon’s summit due to potential volcanic ash hazards. Meanwhile, residents are strongly advised to wear N95 masks or stay indoors to avoid inhaling fine ash particles, which can cause respiratory issues.

Disaster response teams have been deployed to areas near La Castellana, Guintubdan, and Canlaon City, with evacuation plans ready should activity escalate further.

Kanlaon Volcano, rising 2,465 meters above sea level, straddles the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. It last erupted in June 2023, producing ashfall but no casualties. Today’s event is considered the most powerful since 2017.

PHIVOLCS urges the public to remain calm but vigilant, rely only on official sources for information, and report unusual observations to local authorities.


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