ILOILO City – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported a significant eruption at Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island at 2:32 p.m. on Saturday, February 2025.
Unlike the minor eruption on February 6, which lasted only two minutes, this event was classified as a “significant ash emission” by Phivolcs.
The eruption lasted for eight minutes, based on seismic records, and produced a plume that rose 1,500 meters above the summit crater before drifting west-northwest.
The ashfall and sulfurous smell were experienced in several barangays in Bago City, Negros Occidental, including:
* Barangay Mailum (Puroks Lunao, Kakapihan I and II, Kamotihan I and II, Kalubihan II, Kasagingan, Kapahuan, Katubuhan, Rakel, Pili, Durar-og, Abacca, Humayan, Esperanza, Kawayanan, Tabidiao I and II)
* Barangay Maao (Proper, Pandan)
* Barangay Binubuhan (Purok Waterlily)
* Barangay Abuanan (Purok Rose)
* Barangay Dulao (Purok Reola)
* Barangay Atipuluan (Puroks Paglaum, Pagsilak, Riverside, Masinadyahon, Mainuswagon)
* Barangay Ilijan (Purok Malungay B)
Sulfurous smells were also reported in Barangay Bacong, Bago City.
Phivolcs also indicated that prior to the eruption, sulfur dioxide (SO2) flux was measured at an average of 2,625 tonnes per day on February 15, 2025, which is lower than the medium-term average of 4,440 tonnes per day since June 3, 2024. Degassing from the summit crater had been weak since February 6, 2025.
The eastern upper slopes of the volcano have shown signs of inflation, or swelling, since January 10, 2025, while both inflation and deflation cycles have been observed on the western upper and eastern middle slopes during the same period. These ground deformations are believed to be the result of the volcanic conduit being intermittently blocked and unblocked, leading to weak degassing and periodic eruptions.
Kanlaon Volcano, located between Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental, remains under Alert Level 3, indicating ongoing magmatic unrest. This means that there could be more ash emissions or even short-lived explosive eruptions, which may pose life-threatening hazards.
Phivolcs has recommended that communities within a 6-kilometer radius of the summit remain evacuated due to the danger of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), ballistic projectiles, ashfall, rockfall, and other volcanic hazards. Local government units are urged to continue preparing for potential evacuations in the event of further escalation.
Increased vigilance is also advised against the risk of lahars and sediment-laden streamflows, especially if intense rains occur during the ongoing volcanic unrest. Civil aviation authorities are likewise cautioned to advise pilots to avoid flying near the volcano’s summit due to the potential danger of ash clouds.
The public is urged to stay updated on the situation and follow all safety advisories from authorities./PN
