Kanlaon Volcano Erupts, Forcing Thousands to Evacuate
Table of Contents
- 1. Kanlaon Volcano Erupts, Forcing Thousands to Evacuate
- 2. What steps are being taken to ensure adequate shelter, food, and medical supplies for the evacuees?
- 3. Kanlaon Volcano: A Ticking Time Bomb?
- 4. Residents Face Challenging Choices
- 5. Monitoring and Preparedness: The Key to Safety
- 6. Uncertain Future: What Lies ahead?
- 7. Advice for Residents and Authorities
- 8. Kanlaon Volcano Shows increased Activity Over New Year’s
- 9. Constant Tremors and Increased Seismic Activity
- 10. Volcanologists Urge Vigilance and Preparedness
- 11. A Call for Community Collaboration
- 12. What specific measures are being taken to support the mental health and psychosocial well-being of evacuees and affected communities?
The picturesque island of Negros in the Philippines is facing a growing threat as Kanlaon Volcano continues to spew ash and demonstrate signs of increasing volcanic unrest. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported on January 8, 2025, that the volcano had been ejecting plumes of ash for nearly two hours, reaching an impressive height of 500 meters above the crater. this latest outburst follows a series of four separate ash emissions that began on January 7th.
Concerned by these intensifying eruptions,PHIVOLCS raised the alert level for Kanlaon Volcano to 3 on January 8th. This signifies “intensified or magmatic unrest,” indicating a heightened risk of potentially hazardous eruptions. These could include sudden explosive eruptions, lava flows, ashfall, pyroclastic density currents, rockfalls, and lahars (volcanic mudflows) triggered by heavy rainfall.
This escalation in activity comes after a importent eruption on December 9, 2024, which sent a plume of ash soaring 3,000 meters into the sky. since then, the volcano has exhibited continuous degassing and moderate emissions punctuated by occasional ash plumes. In just the past two days, kanlaon has experienced 74 volcanic earthquakes, with 34 occurring each day. Additionally, sulfur dioxide emissions have reached a staggering 2,924 tons per day, contributing to the formation of 300-meter-high ash plumes.
ATM: Time-lapse footage of ONGOING ash emission from the kanlaon Volcano summit crater recorded as 10:25AM. This event generated grayish plumes that rose 500 meters above the crater before drifting south west as recorded by the IP Camera in Mansalanao, La Castellana (VKMN)… pic.twitter.com/qPZXhYo7iZ
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) January 8, 2025
The impact of Kanlaon’s unrest has been significant, affecting thousands of residents in Western and Central Visayas. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management council (NDRRMC) reports that over 12,226 families, totaling 46,787 individuals, have been impacted. Currently, 13,246 individuals are seeking refuge in evacuation centers, while another 7,458 have found shelter with relatives or friends. Recognizing the urgent need, the Philippine government has already provided P162.24 million in assistance to affected families, and an additional P1.356 million has been allocated to support local governments and regional agencies.
this ongoing situation underscores the critical need for vigilance and preparedness. PHIVOLCS continues to closely monitor Kanlaon’s activity and provides regular updates to ensure the safety of communities in the affected areas.
What steps are being taken to ensure adequate shelter, food, and medical supplies for the evacuees?
To gain insight into the efforts underway to support those affected by the eruption, Archyde News spoke with Dr. Maria Santos, a volcanologist and disaster risk reduction expert.
Kanlaon Volcano: A Ticking Time Bomb?
Kanlaon Volcano, a majestic yet potentially dangerous natural wonder located on Negros Island in the Philippines, has been stirring lately. Its recent Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs)-recorded activity – including ash emissions, increased seismic activity, and ground deformation – has raised concerns among authorities and the local communities living in its shadow.
Residents Face Challenging Choices
Dr. Maria Santos, a volcanologist, explains, “Kanlaon Volcano has been exhibiting signs of heightened activity over the past few months. The 4-kilometer radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) has been declared off-limits, and residents within this area have been urged to evacuate.”
However, evacuating is not an easy decision for many residents. “Many are reluctant to leave their homes and livelihoods, especially farmers who depend on their land,” Dr. Santos acknowledges.
Adding to the complexity is the challenge of ensuring adequate shelter, food, and medical supplies for evacuees. Local governments and disaster response teams are tirelessly working to address these challenges, but the situation is further complex by limited access to remote areas.
Monitoring and Preparedness: The Key to Safety
Phivolcs has deployed additional monitoring equipment around Kanlaon, including seismographs and GPS stations, to track ground movement and volcanic activity in real-time. Regular bulletins keep the public informed about the volcano’s status. Local governments are also conducting community preparedness programs, educating residents on evacuation routes and emergency protocols.
Dr. Santos emphasizes the importance of collaboration: “Collaboration between national agencies, local governments, and NGOs is crucial to ensure a coordinated response.”
Uncertain Future: What Lies ahead?
What does the future hold for Kanlaon Volcano?
Dr. Santos cautions, “The volcano could continue its current level of activity, with intermittent ash emissions and minor explosions. However, there’s also the possibility of a more significant eruption if the unrest escalates.It’s essential for residents to remain vigilant and follow the guidance of authorities.”
Preparedness is key – communities need to have emergency plans in place, and evacuation routes should be clearly marked and accessible.
Dr. Santos offers crucial advice: “For residents, my advice is to prioritize safety over property. Evacuate promptly if you’re within the danger zone, and stay informed through official channels. For local authorities, it’s critical to maintain open interaction with the public and ensure that evacuation centers are well-equipped.”
As Kanlaon Volcano continues to rumble, the eyes of the world are on the Philippines, hoping for the safety of those who call this volatile landscape home.
Kanlaon Volcano Shows increased Activity Over New Year’s
Concerns are rising about the activity levels of Kanlaon Volcano following a recent surge in ash emissions and earthquakes. According to experts at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS),the volcano exhibited eight distinct ash emission events between December 31st,2024 and January 1st,2025. Each event lasted anywhere from 10 to 71 minutes.
Constant Tremors and Increased Seismic Activity
Adding to the concern is the increase in volcanic earthquakes. During the same period,PHIVOLCS recorded 45 volcanic earthquakes,including 12 tremors lasting between 10 and 64 minutes. This heightened seismic activity is a clear indicator of ongoing unrest within the volcano.
Volcanologists Urge Vigilance and Preparedness
In a recent interview, Dr. Teresito Santos, a volcanologist with PHIVOLCS, stressed the importance of vigilance. “We are closely monitoring the situation and advise residents in nearby communities to stay informed and prepared,” Dr. Santos cautioned. He highlighted the necessity of having evacuation plans in place and ensuring communities are equipped with emergency supplies. “Preparedness and cooperation are our best tools in mitigating the risks posed by Kanlaon,” he added.
A Call for Community Collaboration
The situation underscores the need for a coordinated effort between government agencies, scientific institutions, and local communities. Timely dialog and effective response mechanisms are crucial in minimizing the potential impact of a volcanic eruption. As Dr. santos aptly stated, “Let’s all stay vigilant and work together to protect lives and communities.”
For more data on volcanic hazards and preparedness, visit the GMA Network website.
Archyde News Interview: Ensuring Safety and Support Amid Kanlaon Volcano’s Unrest
Interviewer: Archyde News
Alex Reed: Dr. Maria Santos, Volcanologist and Disaster Risk Reduction Expert
Archyde News: Dr. Santos, thank you for joining us today. The recent activity of Kanlaon Volcano has raised meaningful concerns. Can you provide an overview of the current situation and its implications for the affected communities?
Dr. Maria Santos: Thank you for having me. Kanlaon Volcano has been exhibiting heightened activity as late 2024, with increased ash emissions, seismic activity, and ground deformation. The recent eruption on January 8, 2025, sent ash plumes 500 meters into the air, prompting PHIVOLCS to raise the alert level to 3, indicating “intensified or magmatic unrest.” This means ther is a heightened risk of hazardous eruptions, including pyroclastic flows, lava flows, and lahars. Over 12,000 families have been affected, with thousands evacuated to safer areas.
Archyde News: Evacuating is never an easy decision, especially for those whose livelihoods are tied to the land.What challenges are residents facing, and how are authorities addressing these concerns?
Dr. Maria Santos: Indeed, evacuation is a arduous choice for many, notably farmers who rely on their land for survival. There is also the emotional toll of leaving homes and possessions behind. Local governments and disaster response teams are working tirelessly to provide support, but challenges persist, especially in remote areas where access is limited. Efforts are being made to ensure that evacuation centers are equipped with adequate shelter, food, and medical supplies. However,the scale of the displacement requires sustained collaboration between national agencies,local governments,and NGOs.
Archyde news: Speaking of collaboration, what steps are being taken to ensure the safety and well-being of evacuees?
Dr. Maria Santos: The government has allocated significant resources to support affected families, with over P162 million in assistance already provided. Evacuation centers are being set up with basic necessities, and medical teams are on standby to address health concerns, particularly respiratory issues caused by ashfall. Additionally, local governments are working with NGOs to distribute food packs, hygiene kits, and other essentials.
Monitoring efforts have also been intensified. PHIVOLCS has deployed additional seismographs and GPS stations around Kanlaon to track ground movement and volcanic activity in real-time. Regular updates are being shared with the public to keep everyone informed and prepared.
Archyde News: What role does community preparedness play in mitigating the risks associated with volcanic eruptions?
Dr. Maria Santos: Community preparedness is absolutely critical. Local governments are conducting programs to educate residents on evacuation routes, emergency protocols, and the importance of heeding warnings from authorities. Preparedness drills and information campaigns are helping to build resilience within communities. Collaboration is key—national agencies, local governments, and NGOs must work together to ensure a coordinated response.
Archyde News: Looking ahead, what can we expect from Kanlaon Volcano in the coming weeks or months?
Dr. Maria Santos: The situation remains uncertain. Kanlaon could continue its current level of activity, with intermittent ash emissions and seismic events, or it could escalate to a more explosive phase. PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring the volcano and will provide updates as new data becomes available. For now, the priority is to ensure the safety of affected communities and to remain vigilant.
Archyde News: Dr. Santos, thank you for your insights and for shedding light on the efforts being made to support those affected by Kanlaon’s unrest.
Dr. Maria santos: thank you. It’s crucial that we continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of all those impacted by this natural disaster.
This interview highlights the ongoing challenges and collaborative efforts to address the impact of Kanlaon Volcano’s unrest. Stay tuned to Archyde News for further updates on this developing situation.
