Mass Evacuation Underway in Philippine Villages Following Brief but Powerful Volcanic Eruption

About 87,000 residents in the central Philippines are being evacuated following Mount Kanlaon’s brief yet intense eruption on Monday. 

The volcano, situated on Negros Island, sent a massive ash plume skyward and unleashed superheated gas and debris down its western slopes, prompting an urgent response.

While no casualties were reported, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the alert level to three out of five, warning of the possibility of more explosive eruptions. 

Volcanic ash blanketed wide areas, including Antique province, over 200 kilometres to the west, impairing visibility and posing health hazards. 

“It’s a one-time but major eruption,” said Philippine chief volcanologist Teresito Bacolcol, adding that scientists are investigating whether the explosion was caused by clogged debris near the summit or rising magma.

Evacuations are focused on towns and villages near Kanlaon’s western and southern slopes, particularly La Castellana in Negros Occidental, where nearly 47,000 residents are being moved out of a six-kilometre danger zone. 

By Tuesday morning, over 6,000 residents had relocated to evacuation centres, with others seeking refuge with relatives, according to Mayor Rhumyla Mangilimutan.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured displaced families of government assistance, noting that the social welfare secretary had flown to the affected region early Tuesday. 

“We are ready to support the families who have been evacuated outside the six-kilometre danger zone,” Marcos stated.

The government is closely monitoring air quality for toxic volcanic gases that could necessitate additional evacuations. Authorities have also established evacuation centres, distributed face masks, and prepared food and hygiene supplies. 

Schools in vulnerable areas remain closed, and a nighttime curfew is in effect.

Kanlaon’s nearly four-minute eruption on Monday afternoon caused a pyroclastic density current, a deadly flow of superheated gas, ash, and debris. 

Few warning earthquakes preceded the explosion, raising concerns among experts. Kanlaon, one of the Philippines’ 24 most active volcanoes, last erupted in June, temporarily displacing hundreds.

The Philippines, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is highly prone to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other natural disasters. 

In 1996, three hikers were killed and others rescued during a sudden Kanlaon eruption, underscoring the ongoing dangers posed by the active volcano.

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