Kanlaon Volcano Emits Significant Ash Plumes Reaching 1,000 Meters
On Friday, February 27, 2026, Kanlaon Volcano exhibited notable volcanic activity, emitting ash for approximately one hour. This event produced voluminous grayish plumes that soared to an impressive height of 1,000 meters above the summit crater, as documented by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Alert Level 2 Maintained Amid Normal Ash Emission Frequencies
Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol addressed the situation, emphasizing that while the frequencies of ash emissions over recent days remain within normal parameters, public vigilance is paramount. "Under Alert Level 2, ash emissions occurring daily or even twice a day are consistent with the current unrest of Kanlaon Volcano," Bacolcol stated in an interview with the Philippine News Agency.
He highlighted that the volcano has experienced multiple ash emission events in a single day on several occasions, such as four events on January 12 and three on January 11. Despite these occurrences being expected, Bacolcol urged continuous monitoring for any changes in:
- Frequency of emissions
- Plume height
- Associated seismic activity
Public Advisories and Safety Measures
Bacolcol reiterated the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols. "The public should understand that at Alert Level 2, the volcano remains active, with the possibility of sudden ash emissions or short-lived minor to moderately explosive activity similar to the Feb. 19 and Feb. 25 events," he explained.
Key safety measures include:
- Strict prohibition of entry into the four-kilometer permanent danger zone
- Relying solely on official advisories from Phivolcs and local government units
- Preparing for potential ashfall impacts
Impact and Additional Ash Emission Event
Phivolcs reported that the ash from Friday's emission was dispersed across an extensive area of the Negros Island Region. The municipalities of La Castellana and Pontevedra in Negros Occidental experienced the heaviest ashfall, affecting local communities and environments.
In addition to the initial event, another ash emission occurred at 9:43 a.m. on Friday, underscoring the ongoing volcanic activity. These incidents highlight the need for sustained monitoring and public awareness to mitigate risks associated with Kanlaon's unrest.
