Philippines: Disruptions ongoing following eruption at Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island as of June 10 /update 2

Disruptions are ongoing following the recent eruption at Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island, approximately 35km (22 miles) southeast of Bacolod City, as of June 10. A phreatic eruption occurred at the volcano at around 18:51 June 3; the eruption caused a large ash plume, volcanic earthquakes, and scattered debris up to 5 km (3 miles) from the crater. Lava and pyroclastic flows occurred down the southern and southeastern slopes. Increased sulfur emissions have also occurred, and coarse ashfall has affected communities on the western slopes of the volcano. Heavy rainfall in recent days has triggered volcanic mudflows known as lahars that have affected surrounding communities, including La Castellana. Local states of calamity have been declared in Canlaon and La Castellana. Although activity has decreased since the initial eruption, gas and ash emissions, and volcanic earthquakes are still ongoing at the volcano as of June 10, and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has warned that another explosive eruption cannot be ruled out.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) maintains Volcano Alert Level 2 (the second level on a five-tier scale). Authorities have issued evacuation orders for people residing within the 4 km (2.5 miles) of the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ). Further evacuation orders have been issued for areas at risk from lahars. As of June 10, the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has reported that more than 4,750 people have been evacuated due to the eruption, with the majority of the evacuees being housed in eight emergency shelters.

Authorities have closed the airspace around the volcano. Airlines canceled dozens of flights at airports across Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, and Antique provinces June 3-4 following the eruption. Although flight schedules have largely resumed normal operations in recent days, further flight cancellations and disruptions are possible if additional eruptions occur. Work and schools have been suspended in some communities surrounding the volcano.

Additional eruptions from Kanlaon could cause further low-level seismic activity, ash clouds, and landslides in the surrounding area. People, especially those with underlying pulmonary conditions such as asthma, COPD, or lung cancers, may experience difficulty breathing and suffer lower tolerance to physical exertion than healthier individuals. Such individuals should take additional precautions to avoid excessive ash exposure.

Transport disruptions are likely in the surrounding area, especially if another significant eruption occurs. Road conditions could quickly deteriorate during periods of substantial ashfall. Authorities advise motorists to drive with extreme caution as ash can result in poor visibility and, when wet, make roads slippery. Officials will probably close roads near the volcano depending on the presence of hazardous volcanic material. Fine particulate matter ejected from the volcano could pose a hazard to flights in the surrounding airspace. Officials also advise aircraft to avoid flying close to the summit due to potentially hazardous ash.