Kanlaon Volcano erupts, Alert Level raised to 3
MANILA, Philippines (Updated 5:35 p.m.) — Kanlaon Volcano erupted Monday afternoon, December 9 prompting authorities to raise its status to Alert Level 3, indicating heightened volcanic unrest.
“An explosive eruption occurred at the summit vent of Kanlaon Volcano at 3:03 PM today, 9 December 2024. The eruption produced a voluminous plume that rapidly rose to 3,000 meters above the vent and drifted west-southwest,” PHIVOLCS said in an alert.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) upgraded the alert status from Level 2 (increasing unrest) to Level 3 (magmatic unrest). This indicates intensified volcanic activity marked by increased earthquakes and substantial steam or ash emissions.
Kanlaon has been continuously displaying seismic activity as early as June but has since remained in Alert Level 2 until today.
Safety measures. Local authorities must implement an 8-kilometer danger zone from the active crater.
PHIVOLCS has directed all local government units to evacuate residents within a 6-kilometer radius from the volcano's summit and prepare for potential additional evacuations if volcanic activity escalates.
Canlaon City Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas has already told residents in the affected areas to prepare for forced evacuations.
Classes and work in the local government offices have also been suspended.
The local government has implemented a curfew in the city. All establishments are ordered to close from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
A liquor ban has also been put in place.
Local authorities have pleaded for calm in the wake of Kanlaon's eruption.
Here are some of the OCD's guidelines on what to do during a volcanic eruption:
- Evacuate immediately when notified
- Cover your mouth with a wet cloth and wear protective goggles
- Keep your pets in shelters or inside the house so they do not inhale ash
- Stay away from rivers and streams as lahars could occur
The Office of Civil Defense said that Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro has already ordered immediate assistance to affected citizens.
Current activity. Pyroclastic density currents, consisting of hot volcanic material and gas, have been observed moving down the volcano's southeastern section.
These dangerous flows pose significant risks to nearby communities.
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