Brief Volcanic Blast at Kanlaon Volcano’s Summit

On Thursday at 3:11 p.m., a brief two-minute volcanic explosion was reported at the summit of Kanlaon Volcano, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The event, described as a minor explosion, was caused by a sudden release of pressure within the volcano, likely due to the accumulation of volcanic gases trapped by a blockage in the volcanic vent, explained Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol. Such minor explosions are short-lived and less intense than major eruptions, typically lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes and releasing a relatively small amount of energy. These events can produce a thin ash plume, emissions of volcanic gases, and occasionally small fragments of volcanic material. Following the explosion, ashfall was observed in Brgy. Sag-ang, La Castellana, Negros Occidental. Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, indicating magmatic unrest, since December 9, 2024.