Mount Kanlaon in the Philippines erupted briefly, sending ashfall to nearby villages and prompting school closures. Authorities maintain high alert level for potential risks.
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| A brief eruption of Mount Kanlaon in the Philippines forces school closures in affected villages. Authorities monitor for further volcanic activity. Photo: Screen grab of X/ @phivolcs_dost/ MB |
Manila, Philippines — April 8, 2025:
A volcano in the central Philippines erupted briefly on Tuesday morning, sending a plume of ash and debris up to 4 kilometers (2.4 miles) into the sky. The eruption, which lasted over an hour, prompted authorities to cancel classes in four nearby villages impacted by ashfall.
Mount Kanlaon, located on Negros Island, is one of the country’s 24 most active volcanoes. The eruption’s ash cloud reached at least four agricultural villages located to the southwest, but no injuries or significant property damage have been reported. Local authorities quickly assessed the situation, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) confirming that no new signs of a major eruption were evident.
Teresito Bacolcol, the Philippines’ chief volcanologist, told the Associated Press that while the eruption was concerning, no immediate signs of an increased risk of a larger eruption were observed. "There's always a chance of a larger eruption," Bacolcol said, urging the public to stay alert and avoid the permanent 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) danger zone surrounding the volcano.
Despite the eruption's brief duration, the eruption has disrupted daily life in the affected areas. Classes in nearby schools were canceled as a precautionary measure. Residents who were displaced during previous eruptions remain in temporary shelters, with the threat of further volcanic activity lingering.
In December, Mount Kanlaon erupted, displacing thousands of people from their homes. Although this recent eruption was less severe, the continued unrest of the volcano has prompted heightened vigilance from local authorities. Kanlaon remains on alert level 3, indicating "high level of volcanic unrest," but the alert level has not been raised to the highest level 5, which would signify a hazardous eruption.
Mount Kanlaon, standing at 2,435 meters (7,988 feet) tall, is notorious for its unpredictable eruptions. A deadly eruption in 1996 claimed the lives of three hikers near the summit.
The Philippines, located along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," is one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, frequently experiencing volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and typhoons. The region's vulnerability to natural disasters continues to pose a challenge for local communities, which regularly have to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
The government and local authorities are continuing to monitor Mount Kanlaon’s activity closely, advising residents to remain cautious and prepared for any further developments.