New eruption of Kanlaun volcano raises concerns
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) announced a new eruption of the Kanlaon volcano in the central Philippines, triggering a state of high alert in the surrounding areas. The volcano spewed a thick column of ash and steam to a height of approximately 2,500 meters into the atmosphere, accompanied by lava flows down its slopes. PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Pacolcol warned in an official statement that a larger and more violent eruption is possible in the coming days, noting that increased seismic activity and magma movement beneath the volcano indicate ongoing unrest.
Authorities' response and evacuation operations
In response to this escalation, the Philippine authorities, represented by the Office of Civil Defense, immediately activated emergency plans. Mount Kanlaon has recently experienced increased activity, forcing authorities to evacuate thousands of residents from villages and towns within the designated danger zone surrounding the volcano. Many of these residents remain in temporary shelters, as uncertainty persists regarding the volcanic activity. Flights to and from nearby airports have been suspended, and air traffic restrictions have been imposed in the area to avoid the risk of volcanic ash damaging aircraft engines.
Kanlaun volcano: A history of activity in the heart of the "Ring of Fire"
Kanlaun Volcano, located on Negros Island, is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. This volcanic activity is part of the Philippines' geological makeup, as it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire. This region is a series of tectonic plates that experience some of the highest levels of seismic and volcanic activity in the world. Kanlaun has a long history of eruptions, the most notable being in 1996 when a sudden eruption killed three mountaineers who were near its crater, highlighting the unpredictable and dangerous nature of these volcanic peaks.
Expected impacts locally and regionally
The eruptions of Kanlawn volcano pose a multifaceted threat. Locally, volcanic ashfall presents a health risk to residents, potentially causing respiratory problems and eye and skin irritation. Ash also threatens to contaminate water sources and destroy crops, impacting the livelihoods of farmers in the region. Another major risk is lahar flows, destructive volcanic mudflows that form when volcanic ash mixes with heavy rainfall and can sweep away everything in their path. Regionally, the suspension of air traffic is impacting the economy and tourism, isolating local communities, while national authorities remain on standby to provide support and assistance to affected areas.
