Mount Kanlaon eruption forces hundreds into evacuation centers in central Philippines

(MENAFN) On Negros island in the central Philippines, Mount Kanlaon erupted dramatically on Monday night, sending a towering plume of ash, rocks, and gases soaring five kilometers into the sky. As a result, hundreds of individuals sought refuge in evacuation centers to escape the hazardous conditions.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology swiftly raised the alert level for Mount Kanlaon from one to two on a scale of zero to five, indicating the heightened risk of more explosive eruptions in the near future.

Official figures indicate that approximately 2,800 people have evacuated to emergency shelters due to the dangers posed by falling ash, toxic gases, and the potential threat of lahars - massive flows of volcanic debris triggered by heavy rainfall, capable of engulfing nearby villages.

Authorities in Canlaon city, located in Negros Oriental province, have issued directives for residents living near rivers downstream of the volcano to evacuate immediately. Additionally, non-essential businesses have been instructed to suspend operations temporarily to ensure the safety of the local population.

The eruption has also disrupted air travel, with numerous flights to and from Bacolod, the capital of Negros Occidental province and the nearest major airport to the volcano, being cancelled.

Despite signs of the volcanic activity subsiding, Robert Araneta from the Negros Occidental provincial disaster agency emphasized ongoing vigilance. While the smoke has dissipated, some municipalities continue to detect the odor of sulfur, underscoring the persistent threat posed by Mount Kanlaon.

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