A plume of ashes was observed from the crater of Mount Kanlaon in Negros island at 6:45 p.m. on June 3, 2024.

In a post on X at 7:20 p.m., Phivolcs said the plume reached 5000 meters. 

"ATM: Ongoing eruption at Kanlaon Volcano producing a 5000-meter plume. Details to follow. Alert Level 1 preveails over Kanlaon Volcano," reads the post.

This information was also confirmed by FO3 Albert Acula, chief of operations of the Bureau of Fire Protection 7 Canlaon City Fire Station, in a phone interview.

Alert level has been raised from Alert Level 1 to Alert Level 2 after an explosive eruption occurred at the summit vent of Kanlaon Volcano at 6:51 p.m. 

According to Phivolcs, the eruption produced a voluminous and incandescent plume that rapidly rose to 5,000 meters above the vent and probable short pyroclastic density currents or PDCs approximately 2-3 kilometers down the southern and southeastern slopes based on IP and thermal camera monitors.

"The eruption lasted six (6) minutes based on the seismic record and was preceded by a relatively strong volcano-tectonic earthquake. Reports of coarse ashfall and sulfurous odors have been reported in communities on western slopes of the volcano. As of present, only two weak volcanic earthquakes have been recorded. Kanlaon has been exhibiting above background earthquake activity for the past month and has been degassing relatively anomalous SO2 that has averaged approximately 1,273 tonnes/day for the year," Phivolcs stated.

Phivolcs is raising the Alert Level of Kanlaon Volcano from Alert Level 1 (abnormal) to Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest).

"This means that there is current unrest driven by shallow magmatic processes that could eventually lead to further explosive eruptions or even precede hazardous magmatic eruption," Phivolcs added.

The public is strongly advised to be vigilant and avoid the four (4) kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) to minimize risks from sudden explosions, rockfall and landslides.

ASH FALL

In case of ash fall events that may affect communities downwind of Kanlaon’s crater, people should cover their nose and mouth with a damp, clean cloth or dust mask, Phivolcs advised.

Civil aviation authorities are also advised to warn pilots from flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from any sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft.

In photos shared by Shan Abendan, ash had fallen in Barangay Biak Na Bato in La Castellana located seven kilometers away from the volcano.

Mount Kanlaon is the most active volcano in the Visayas regions.