Latest news Kanlaon volcano erupts in the Philippines
The Kanlaon volcano in the Philippines has erupted, spewing a column of ash some 4,000 meters high into the sky. According to the Phivolcs earthquake and volcano observatory, the eruption, which lasted about an hour, started early in the morning (local time).
08.04.2025, 12:54
SDA
So-called pyroclastic flows - pyroclastic flows of lava, ash and hot gases - were also observed on the southern slopes.
The stratovolcano, which is more than 2,400 meters high, is located in the province of Negros Occidental, around 530 kilometers south of the capital Manila. Kanlaon is considered the most active volcano in the central Philippines - but the mountain is also a popular destination for mountaineers and hikers. In 1996, three mountaineers died in a sudden eruption.
When was Kanlaon last active?
A rain of ash fell over several villages. Schools were temporarily closed and pilots were warned to be careful in the region's airspace. Residents should avoid the crater within a radius of six kilometers. However, the alert level for Kanlaon remains at level 3 on a scale of 5 for the time being, it said.
Nevertheless, Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol warned that further eruptions could possibly follow. These could be similar to the recent eruption or even more violent, he warned. "In fact, the eruption we saw this morning is a repeat of the December 9 eruption. The height of the ash column was almost the same."
Back then, an eruption of the volcano had driven thousands of people to flee their homes. Many have been living in evacuation centers ever since. The number of evacuees is now expected to rise further, reported the Manila Bulletin newspaper, citing the emergency services.
What is the Pacific Ring of Fire?
The Philippines is an island nation with more than 20 active volcanoes. The most active is Mount Mayon in the Bicol region. Pinatubo in the west of the main island of Luzon is probably the best-known volcano due to a devastating eruption in 1991 that killed more than 800 people. The Southeast Asian state lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a volcanic belt that frames the Pacific Ocean on three sides. Earthquakes and eruptions occur frequently in the region: It is the most geologically active zone on earth.
