A sudden eruption from Mount Kanlaon has displaced tens of thousands in the Philippines raising concerns of further volcanic activity. Mount Kanlaon’s eruption displaced over 54,000 residents. The eruption sent a massive ash column skyward. Evacuations were ordered within a 6-kilometer radius of the summit.
Massive Eruption Causes Evacuations
Mount Kanlaon, one of the Philippines’ 24 active volcanoes, erupted at 3:03 p.m. local time, spewing a massive column of ash into the atmosphere. The eruption prompted an urgent evacuation order, with thousands of residents within a 6-kilometer radius being told to leave their homes. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) issued the warning, urging local governments to act quickly to protect the potentially vulnerable population.
Governor Eugenio Lacson is poised to declare a state of calamity should the volcanic activity escalate further. This proactive measure highlights the unpredictable nature of Mount Kanlaon, which rises more than 3,000 meters above sea level. As the region braces for potential complications, the government’s readiness underscores the severe threat the eruption poses to the communities on Negros island.
The Philippines reports an “explosive eruption” at Kanlaon Volcano in its central Negros island, prompting authorities to advise evacuation around the volcano’s six-kilometer radius https://t.co/vJu3MSjCUr
— Bloomberg Green (@climate) December 9, 2024
Preparations for Further Eruptions
The eruption has not only led to the displacement of over 54,000 people but has also led to increased readiness for subsequent eruptions in the coming days. Civil defense authorities emphasize the need for vigilance, indicating plans for additional evacuations if the alert level is raised. “Authorities are preparing for the worst-case scenario of raising the alert level … which would necessitate further evacuation and safety measures,” stated the civil defense office.
Regions surrounding the volcano are now cloaked in dense ash, a stark reminder of the volcano’s disruptive power. In recent days, there has been a noticeable increase in volcanic activity, leading residents and authorities alike to remain on high alert. The situation is a tense one, as history has shown with prior eruptions causing fatalities and extensive damage.
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. Pyroclastic density currents or PDCs descended the slopes… pic.twitter.com/EFNFDzRHEe
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) December 9, 2024
Historical Eruptions and Current Threat
Mount Kanlaon has erupted more than 40 times since 1866, each highlighting the volcano’s destructive potential. Notably, three people were killed during an eruption in 1996. Because of the volcano’s historical activity, local officials and residents must remain prepared at all times. Governor Lacson and his administration are currently working to reduce the risks associated with the active volcano while prioritizing the well-being of the thousands of people who live in the surrounding area.
Authorities are still working to ensure that the necessary contingencies are in place in case the situation deteriorates. As Mount Kanlaon continues to be unpredictable, multiple agencies work together to protect lives and property. The local government’s steadfast resolve is evident in each measure taken, which reflects its commitment to public safety in the face of geological uncertainty.
Sources:
- Evacuations underway in Philippines as Mt Kanlaon volcano erupts
- Philippines volcanic eruption: Kanlaon volcano ‘may progress to further explosive eruptions’
