Miriam Doñoz, Field and Emergency Communications - Visayas
NEGROS, Philippines — An explosive eruption is currently occurring at the summit vent of Mt. Kanlaon that began at 5:51 AM on Tuesday, 8 April 2025.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the eruption produces a voluminous bent plume approximately 4,000 meters tall drifting southwest. Pyroclastic density currents or PDCs descended the slopes on the general southern edifice based on Internet Protocol (IP) and thermal camera monitors.
For the past months since Mt. Kanlaon began erupting; it had been showing signs of prolonged activities from time to time.
The uncertainty about the situation can be particularly challenging for children should things worsen.
“World Vision is closely monitoring and coordinating with the local government unit of Moises Padilla for updates and possible support and collaboration to ensure children and their families will be safe and secured,” said World Vision Operations Manager, Bonifacio Calapan.
Meanwhile, ashfall was reported at Barangays Cubay, San Miguel, and La Granja, La Carlota City. Computer simulations show that ash is also predicted to disperse at a 5 km plume height.
Mt. Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 3, which means there’s magmatic unrest that could generate “similar ash emission and even short-lived explosive eruptions in the short term which may generate life-threatening volcanic hazards.”
As of 5 April 2025, 12,630 families or 48,528 individuals have been affected as reported by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in its situational data.
Despite the challenges brought about by the volcanic activities, the communities remain alert and prepared in case of disaster.
Previously, World Vision distributed quick run bags that contain Non-Food Items (NFIs) to over 300 individuals. In addition, the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO) and the local government unit demonstrated how to use the bags' contents, and also provided an orientation on disaster preparedness like developing an emergency plan, seeking shelter, and staying informed among others.
Mt. Kanlaon began erupting on 3 June 2024. The last recorded eruptive explosion at the crater of Mt. Kanlaon occurred 2 months ago, 6 February 2025, which was followed by a pause in activity and then an episode of significant ash emission from its summit crater on 15 February 2025.