Mount Kanlaon Eruption Triggers Evacuations for Near 90,000 Residents

In response to the recent eruption of Mount Kanlaon, Philippine authorities have ordered nearly 90,000 individuals to evacuate due to risky ash, lava, and rock emissions, raising alarm over potential further eruptions.

The Philippine authorities issued evacuation orders for almost 90,000 individuals following a significant eruption of Mount Kanlaon on the central island of Negros, where the volcano released a towering plume of deadly ash and lava. The eruption occurred on Monday afternoon, prompting immediate warnings that additional eruptions could follow in the days to come.

"This is a highly destructive incident that poses risks to everything in its vicinity, including vegetation, structures, and human lives," stated Teresito Bacolcol, head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. "It has the potential to be fatal."

In light of the eruption, officials raised the alert level from 2 to 3, indicating a heightened risk for sudden and potentially more violent explosive eruptions, with the maximum alert level being 5. Authorities designated a danger zone extending six kilometers (approximately 3.7 miles) around the volcano, which encompassed about 47,000 residents in the upland town of La Castellana, according to the Office of Civil Defense.

Evacuation efforts utilized the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City—which has a capacity of 30,000—as the main center, alongside an additional eleven villages set up as shelter locations for evacuees.

The Philippines is home to approximately 100 volcanoes, 24 of which are active, sitting within the Pacific Ring of Fire—an area that comprises 75% of the world’s active volcanoes. Mount Kanlaon itself has recorded over 40 eruptions since 1866, and history shows the dangers this volcano can pose, such as the tragic incident in 1996 that resulted in the loss of three hikers due to an eruption.