Since October of last year, Mt. Kanlaon has been actively emitting ash, with a total of 117 minor eruptions recorded, as reported by Mariton Bornas, head of the Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). These events, which began on October 19, are classified as minor eruptions due to the release of volcanic materials from the volcano’s crater. On Thursday, a grayish plume was observed emanating from the summit crater of Mt. Kanlaon around 9:15 a.m., as captured by the Negros Oriental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. Bornas explained that should the volcano’s activity escalate, it could be considered part of an ongoing eruptive series that started on June 3, potentially leading to more severe events such as lava flows, lava fountaining, or even an explosive eruption. Unlike the rapid escalation seen at Mayon Volcano, Mt. Kanlaon’s activity has been prolonged, showing signs of a possible major eruption for nearly two years. Although these minor eruptions are indicative of a larger event on the horizon, the exact timing and nature of such an eruption remain uncertain. Phivolcs is maintaining vigilant surveillance of the volcano’s behavior.
