Philippines: Disruptions persist due to reports of gas emissions and volcanic earthquakes at Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island as of July 4 /update 3

A fresh eruption occurred at the Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island, approximately 35km (22 miles) southeast of Bacolod City the evening of June 3. As of July 4, increased volcanic activity, including gas emissions and volcanic earthquakes, have been reported. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) maintains Volcano Alert Level 2 (the second level on a five-tier scale). Authorities issued a no-entry order within a 4 km (2.5 miles) radius of the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and cautioned residents to prepare for possible ash fall and lahar flow events. Officials have previously closed airspace around the volcano and canceled dozens of flights at airports across Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, and Antique provinces. Further disruptions, including flight cancellations, fresh evacuation orders, and suspension of work and schools, are possible in the coming days.

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.

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. Depending on the presence of hazardous volcanic material, officials may close roads near the volcano. Fine particulate matter ejected from the volcano could pose a hazard to flights in the surrounding airspace.