Philippines: Evacuations ongoing following gas emissions and volcanic earthquakes at Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island as of Sept. 12

Officials have evacuated communities in the vicinity of the Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island, approximately 35km (22 miles) southeast of Bacolod City, due to increased volcanic activity as of Sept. 12. Record levels of gas emissions and an increased number of volcanic earthquakes have been observed at the volcano in recent days. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) maintains Volcano Alert Level 2 (the second level on a five-tier scale) but has warned the increased activity may lead to an eruptive episode and a subsequent increase in the alert level. Authorities are maintaining 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 ordered the evacuation of around 250 people from communities within the PDZ. Residents in the wider area have been advised to take precautions against exposure to volcanic sulfur emissions, such as limiting time outdoors and wearing facemasks. Schools have been closed in parts of the region. Further disruptions, including flight cancellations, fresh evacuation orders, and suspension of work and schools, are possible in the region over the coming days.

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