On Tuesday morning, April 8, 2025, the Kanlaon Volcano in the central Philippines erupted explosively, sending a towering ash plume approximately 4,000 meters (2.5 miles) into the sky. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) confirmed that the eruption began at 5:51 a.m. and concluded around 6:47 a.m., affecting several nearby communities with ashfall. This latest eruption comes amid ongoing evacuation orders for areas surrounding the volcano, which had previously erupted in December 2024.
Kanlaon Volcano, located on Negros Island, is one of the Philippines' 24 active volcanoes. It has been under Alert Level 3 since the December eruption, indicating a high level of volcanic unrest with an increased risk of further eruptions. According to Phivolcs, this alert level signifies the potential for a hazardous eruption within weeks, as the volcano continues to exhibit signs of unrest.
Local officials reported that the eruption led to the suspension of classes in at least four villages, including Barangay Sag-Ang in La Castellana and Barangays Yubo and Ara-al in La Carlota, as well as Bago City. Residents in these areas are advised to stay vigilant and adhere to evacuation protocols due to the ashfall and its potential health impacts.
“An explosive eruption is currently occurring at the summit vent of Kanlaon Volcano,” Phivolcs stated. The agency noted that the ash plume is drifting southwest, and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) descended the slopes on the general southern side of the volcano. The alert level is currently set at 3, which reflects the ongoing magmatic activity beneath the volcano.
John De Asis, a rescue official in La Castellana, emphasized the preparedness of local authorities, stating, “We were prepared for the eruption. The families within the 4 to 6 kilometers were already evacuated during the previous eruption last December.” He added that they are monitoring which villages might be affected by the ashfall and have recommended the cancellation of classes and work in the municipality.
In December 2024, the Kanlaon Volcano's eruption forced the evacuation of thousands of residents, many of whom are still in emergency shelters as of April 2025. The Office of Civil Defense reported that about 8,000 residents have been displaced since the December eruption, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by communities living near the volcano.
Philippine chief volcanologist Teresito Bacolcol has warned that the possibility of a more significant eruption remains. “The possibility of a bigger eruption is always there,” he said, urging residents to remain cautious and stay away from the 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) danger zone surrounding the volcano. He explained that the alert level could either be raised or lowered in the coming days based on the behavior of the magma beneath the surface.
“A faster ascent could trigger a more intense eruption, prompting an escalation to alert level 4, while a slowdown or pause in magma movement may lead to a downgrade to alert level 2,” Bacolcol elaborated. This uncertainty underscores the need for vigilance among those living near the volcano.
Historically, Kanlaon Volcano has been known for its unpredictable eruptions. In 1996, a sudden eruption resulted in the deaths of three hikers and the rescue of several others, illustrating the potential dangers associated with volcanic activity in the region. The Philippines is situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a seismically active area prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, making it one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, they remain focused on ensuring the safety of residents and providing necessary assistance to those affected by the ongoing volcanic activity. The government has emphasized the importance of preparedness and community awareness in the face of such natural disasters.
In summary, the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on April 8, 2025, has prompted immediate responses from local authorities, including evacuations and school closures. With the volcano remaining under Alert Level 3, the situation continues to evolve, and residents are urged to stay informed and prepared for any further developments.
