Alert Level 2 stays as Kanlaon volcano triggers explosive eruption in Philippines

The Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island erupted explosively on Thursday afternoon, generating an ash plume that rose about 2,000 metres above the summit, triggering renewed concern among nearby communities. The eruption occurred at 4:39 pm and lasted around two minutes, according to state seismologists.

Authorities said the eruption was moderately explosive in nature, producing a dark gray ash column that drifted southwest. Pyroclastic density currents were also observed flowing down the volcano’s slopes, reaching distances of up to one kilometre from the summit crater. Alert Level 2 remains in effect, indicating increasing volcanic unrest. This marks the first recorded eruption of Kanlaon in 2026, following its last explosive activity on October 25, 2025. In recent weeks, the volcano has continued to show signs of activity, including persistent ash emissions and frequent volcanic earthquakes.

On February 18 alone, the volcano recorded 10 volcanic earthquakes and emitted sulfur dioxide at an estimated rate of 346 tonnes per day. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has reiterated its warning against entering the four-kilometre permanent danger zone, citing risks from sudden steam-driven explosions, ashfall and possible magmatic eruptions.