Philippines: Increased volcanic activity at Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island as of early June 4 /update 1

The Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island, approximately 35km (22 miles) southeast of Bacolod City, erupted at 18:51 June 3. 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). Canlaon City, Negros Oriental Province, issued evacuation orders for residents within 3 km (2 miles) of the river downstream of Kanlaon Volcano. Almost 800 people have been displaced. Authorities have established eight evacuation centers.

Authorities have closed the airspace across the volcano. Airlines have canceled dozens of flights at airports across Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, and Antique provinces June 3-4. Further flight cancellations and disruptions are likely if additional eruptions occur. Work and schools in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental Province, have been suspended.

The eruption caused a large plume, two 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. Coarse ashfall has affected communities on the western slopes of 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 a 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.