Kanlaon Volcano Eruption Sparks Widespread Disruption in Negros Occidental
A moderately explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on the evening of Thursday, February 26, 2026, has caused significant disruption across Negros Occidental, with ashfall, a sulfuric smell, and shockwaves reported in at least 13 cities and municipalities. The event prompted immediate evacuations and the suspension of classes on Friday, February 27, as authorities scrambled to manage the aftermath.
Eruption Details and Immediate Impacts
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the eruption occurred at the summit crater, lasting precisely two minutes from 7:04 p.m. to 7:06 p.m. This was followed by over an hour of ash emission, which ceased at 8:18 p.m. The eruption, the second moderately explosive event since February 19, produced a plume that soared 2,500 meters above the crater. Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 2, indicating a moderate level of unrest.
Phivolcs reported that incandescent ballistics rained around the crater, while pyroclastic density currents descended the eastern and southeastern upper slopes within two kilometers of the summit. The La Carlota City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office clarified that the eruption involved burning vegetation and superheated rocks, not lava flows.
Affected Areas and Evacuation Efforts
Reports from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Office of Civil Defense–Negros Island Region highlighted incidents in multiple locations, including:
- Cities: Bago, La Carlota, San Carlos, Himamaylan, and Kabankalan
- Municipalities: La Castellana, Murcia, Binalbagan, Moises Padilla, Hinigaran, Isabela, Pontevedra, and San Enrique
Ashfall varied in intensity, with light to moderate levels reported in several barangays and heavy ashfall specifically in Barangay Sag-ang in La Castellana and Barangay Pandan in Pontevedra. A sulfuric smell was noted in numerous barangays, while shockwaves were felt in parts of La Carlota, Himamaylan, Bago, and Binalbagan.
In La Carlota, 13 families, totaling 40 individuals from Barangays Ara-al and Yubo, were evacuated, with 12 families currently housed in two evacuation centers.
Educational Disruptions and Health Advisories
Classes were suspended on Friday at all levels in La Castellana, Hinigaran, Isabela, Binalbagan, and Himamaylan. Additional suspensions occurred in specific barangays of La Carlota and Murcia, as well as at Pandan Elementary School and Camingawan Elementary School in Pontevedra.
The Department of Health–Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) issued an ashfall advisory, urging residents to take protective measures. DOH-NIR Assistant Regional Director Adrian Hort Ramos emphasized the need for eye protection, face masks, and covering skin with long sleeves and pants. He advised vulnerable groups, such as those with respiratory illnesses, the elderly, children, and pregnant women, to stay indoors, close windows, and turn off air-conditioning units until ashfall subsides. Ramos also recommended washing exposed skin with running water and mild soap to prevent irritation.
This eruption underscores the ongoing volcanic activity in the region, with authorities continuing to monitor the situation closely to ensure public safety.
