Kanlaon Volcano ash emission observed after explosive eruption

State seismologists have observed an ash emission at Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island on Sunday morning following an explosive eruption on Saturday.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), an ash emission was recorded at 1:28 a.m. on Sunday, October 11. This generated a plume that rose 400 meters before drifting northwest.

Another ash emission was also recorded at 5:15 a.m., with a grayish plume that rose 600 meters above the summit that drifted west.

The explosive eruption occurred for a brief time on Saturday from 12:46 p.m. to 12:48 p.m.

“Kahit tapos na 'yung initial eruption natin, may gas pa rin at saka volcanic materials na lumalabas through the vent. So 'yung eruption kahapon, nag-open 'yun ng pathway. The escaping gases continue to carry fine ashes upwards,” said PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Balcolcol in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday.

(Even though our initial eruption is over, there is still gas as well as volcanic materials coming out through the vent. So yesterday's eruption opened a pathway. The escaping gases continue to carry fine ashes upwards.)

The PHIVOLCS official said that an ash fall was recorded in several towns of Negros Occidental, such as in Don Salvador Benedicto, Don Carlota, and San Carlos City.

He added that residents within the 4-kilometer radius of the permanent danger zone have already evacuated.

The volcano is under Alert Level 2, which indicates moderate level of volcanic unrest.

“For now, hindi pa natin itataas 'yung alert level. Tinitignan natin 'yung kabuuan. We are still assessing kung kailangan ba ito,” said Bacolcol.

(For now, we will not raise the alert level yet. We are looking at the overall situation. We are still assessing whether this is necessary.) —Vince Angelo Ferreras/KG, GMA News