The Philippines’ Kanlaon volcano erupted today, spewing ash 3 kilometers into the air and sending large rocks flying.
The eruption occurred at 2:55 a.m. and lasted around five minutes. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported a moderate explosion that sent a thick cloud of ash drifting west. Large rocks were ejected hundreds of meters from the crater, sparking fires around the mountain.
Current Alert Level
The alert level remains at 3 out of 5. This means there’s a risk of a more violent eruption in the short term, which could be life-threatening. A 6-kilometer radius around the volcano is still off-limits.
Volcanic History
Kanlaon is on Negros Island and is one of 24 active volcanoes in the Philippines. It’s had several violent eruptions in the past. In August 1996, hot rocks from an eruption killed three climbers near the summit.
The Philippines is on the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” making it prone to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. One of the country’s most significant eruptions was Mount Pinatubo in 1991, which killed over 800 people.
Sources: Channel News Asia