Mount Kanlaon, a volcano in the central Philippines, erupted on Monday night, sending a plume of ash and steam into the sky. The explosion prompted over 700 people to flee to evacuation camps as sirens blared in the city of Canlaon. Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas reported that no casualties were reported, and residents described the explosion as very strong, causing fear and panic. As a precaution, authorities raised the alert level to two, indicating a moderate level of volcanic unrest.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that almost 800 people from 170 families were moved to evacuation centers, and government aircraft were on standby if needed. To ensure safety, resorts in the city were temporarily closed, and police enforced a no-entry regulation in a 4-kilometer danger zone around the volcano. The eruption scattered ash up to 10 kilometers away, raising concerns about the possibility of further unrest.
Although the Philippines is no stranger to natural disasters due to its location in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are common, this recent volcanic activity serves as a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to such events. With Kanlaon being one of the 24 most-active volcanoes in the country, authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any potential harm to residents. Residents are advised to stay alert and follow safety regulations to minimize risks.
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