Kanlaon Volcano Eruption Triggers Widespread Ashfall Across Negros Island
A total of twelve local government units in the Negros Island Region have reported significant ashfall and a distinct sulfuric odor following the explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on the evening of Thursday, February 26, 2026. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology confirmed that a moderately explosive eruption occurred at the summit crater at precisely 7:04 p.m., lasting for two full minutes.
Eruption Details and Immediate Impacts
The volcanic event generated a dense, dark plume that ascended 2,500 meters above the crater before drifting in a southwest direction. Phivolcs officials observed incandescent ballistics raining around the crater area, while pyroclastic density currents descended the eastern and southeastern upper slopes within a two-kilometer radius of the summit crater.
Immediately following the initial explosion, continuous ash emission was recorded. Phivolcs is currently assessing all monitoring parameters over the next twenty-four hours to determine if any changes to the current Alert Level status of the volcano are warranted.
Affected Areas and Government Response
Regional, provincial, and local authorities have documented light to moderate ashfall in at least thirty-eight barangays spread across the twelve impacted LGUs. According to records from the Negros Occidental Provincial Government, the affected areas include the cities of La Carlota, Himamaylan, Kabankalan, and San Carlos, along with the municipalities of Binalbagan, Moises Padilla, Hinigaran, Isabela, Pontevedra, and La Castellana.
In Negros Oriental, residents of Canlaon City, where the volcano is geographically situated, were also affected by the eruption's aftermath.
Precautionary Measures and Class Suspensions
In response to the volcanic activity, several local government units across Negros Island have suspended classes for Friday, February 27, 2026. The LGUs implementing these suspensions include the cities of La Carlota, Himamaylan, Kabankalan, and Canlaon, as well as the municipalities of Isabela, Binalbagan, La Castellana, Ilog, Moises Padilla, and Hinigaran.
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has issued a public advisory urging residents to exercise heightened caution. He noted that ashfall and other indirect effects from the eruption could potentially reach Bacolod City depending on prevailing wind conditions.
"As a precaution, please limit outdoor activities and wear a mask when going outside," Mayor Gasataya emphasized in his statement.
Historical Context and Monitoring
This moderately explosive eruption occurred exactly one week after a similar volcanic event on February 19, which also lasted for two minutes. Phivolcs continues to monitor the situation closely, with scientists analyzing data to provide updated assessments and recommendations for public safety in the coming days.
