Kanlaon Volcano spewed ash (phreatic eruption) on Sunday, December 27, 2015. According to an Advisory from PHIVOLCS the eruption happened at around 1:29 in the afternoon and lasted for 5 minutes.
The eruption was accompanied by a rumbling sound heard from Brgy. Cabagnan, La Castellana, Sitio Guintubdan, Brgy. Ara-al and Brgy. Yubo, La Carlota City. From the southeastern side of the volcano, the eruption plume was observed to have reach 1000m above the active crater but it could be as high as 4500m based on pilot reports.
Light ash fall were reported from Sitio Guintubdan, Brgy. Ara-al, and Brgy. La Granja, La Carlota City and reached as far as the Municipality of Pontevedra in Negros Occidental. Those near the area were advised to wear mask since ash fall can be a health hazard.
Alert Level 1 status is still in effect over Kanlaon Volcano which means that it is at an abnormal condition and a period of current unrest. The public are advised that entry to the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited due to further possibilities of sudden and hazardous phreatic eruptions. Pilots are advised to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as any sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft.
Mt. Kanlaon is the highest peak in the Visayas and it is one of the most favorite mountains of mountaineers. It is the third most active volcanoes in the country and has earned the name “Killer Mountain” due to an eruption in 1996 which claimed the lives of 6 climbers.
Fake Kanlaon Picture
Negrenses living near Mount Kanlaon were able to share photos taken of its eruption. However, there were pictures being shared supposedly that of Mount Kanlaon but upon checking, it was a photo of the 2013 eruption of Mount Sinabung in Sumatra, Indonesia. A lot of people shared the photos especially those with relatives in Negros Island who were worried about their families.
Unless you are sure of the sources, please refrain from sharing information that could result to panic among the residents. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Kanlaon Volcano’s activity and any new development will be relayed to all concerned.
For more reliable information, please follow the official Facebook Page of PHIVOLCS for updates and Advisory.