Magmatic unrest since its eruption in December 2024 is seen to have brought about an explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, according to the Kanlaon Volcano Observatory in Negros Island.
Preparation has been in place for possible lava flow because of the rise of magma to the surface of the volcano, the observatory added.
“Isa iyan sa mga scenario na tinitingnan natin, ang effusive eruption based sa ground deformation. Flamed pa rin ang edifice ng volcano. Unti-unting umaakyat ang magma,” said Perly Sianson, Science research specialist at Kanlaon Volcano Observatory.
Based on PHIVOLCS bulletin by 2 p.m. on April 8, 2025, the explosive eruption lasted 56 minutes based on seismic and visual recordings.
The eruption resulted in ashfall in areas in Negros Occidental.
La Carlota City is one of the areas heavily affected by the ashfall.
In Barangay San Miguel, for example, thick ash made it difficult for motorists to traverse roads. Ashes seemed to blanket residences and vehicles. Residents coud not help from worrying over the ill effects of the volcanic ashes to their health.
“Paglabas ko, andiyan na ang asupre. At syempre, kinakabahan kami kapag pumatak na ang abo. Iniisip ko talaga ang apo ko na may hika,” Grace Acuyo, a resident, said.
“Nakita ko sa kalsada, hindi na halos makita dahil sa usok. Natatakot. Delikado kasi ang asupre. Kailangan rin namin ng tubig,” said Nelia Esteves, another resident.
Based on data from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of La Carlota City, over 1,900 individuals are still dwelling in evacuation centers since Mount Kanlaon erupted on December 9, 2024.
“May evacuees. Ang ibang asawa, masama ang pakiramdam kasi. Hindi nila kaya ang amoy ng asupre,” according to Ritchell de la Cruz Esmilla, camp manager of Evacuation Center 1 in La Carlota City.
Meanwhile, a grassfire was spotted on the side of the volcano in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental past noon on April 8, 2025.
According to PHIVOLCS bulletin, “large ballistic fragments were also observed to have been thrown around the crater within a few hundred meters and caused burning of vegetation near the volcano summit.”
“Thin ashfall has been reported in the following localities of Negros Occidental: La Carlota City– Brgys. Roberto Salas Benedicto, La Granja, Haguimit, Nagasi, Yubo, Ara-al, San Miguel and Cubay; Bago City– Brgys. Mailum, Ilijan, and Binubuhan, and; La Castellana– Brgys. Sag-ang and Mansalanao,” PHIVOLCS added.
“Sulfurous fumes were also experienced strongly in Brgy. Cubay, La Carlota City and faintly as far as the Municipality of Hinigaran, Negros Occidental,” it added.
Further, the Office of Civil Defense has reminded the public to evacuate to safety immediately, far from danger zones, in the event of an eruption; to wear protective goggles and cover the mouth with wet cloth, make sure that pets stay indoors, and to veer away from waterways such as rivers to avoid getting caught in a possible lahar flow.
