Philippines: Authorities evacuate tens of thousands following eruptive activity at Kanlaon volcano, Negros Island, as of Dec. 13 /update 2

Evacuations are ongoing following eruptive activity at Kanlaon volcano in Negros Occidental Province, close to the border with Negros Oriental Province, as of Dec. 13. An explosive eruption occurred at the volcano around 15:03 Dec. 9, producing an ash plume rising to around 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) above the crater. Ashfall was reported across a wide area of the Visayas islands, traveling as far as Antique Province around 200 km (124 miles) from the volcano. Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) descended around 2-3.5 km (1.2-2.2 miles) down the slopes of the volcano and other volcanic material, increased seismic activity, and sulfur emissions were also observed. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOLCS) raised the warning for Kanlaon volcano from Alert Level 2 to Level 3 Dec. 9 following the eruption, indicating further explosive eruptions are possible. Further less explosive activity has been observed at the volcano Dec. 10-13, including 13 minor ash emission events Dec. 12-13.

Authorities have established a 6 km (4 miles) evacuation zone around the crater. Around 84,000 people reside within the evacuation zone; as of Dec. 13, authorities have reported around 45,000 people have been evacuated and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has confirmed more than 15,000 people are being housed in 27 evacuation shelters across surrounding areas of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental provinces. At least six domestic flights and one international flight were canceled Dec. 10 due to the volcanic activity; flights have largely resumed normal operations since but additional disruptions to flights are possible in the region over the coming days if further significant eruptive activity occurs. Schools remain closed in 13 municipalities across the region. Officials in Negros Occidental province declared a State of Calamity Dec. 13 due to the volcanic activity.

Further eruptions could cause localized transport disruptions; if an eruption creates a significant ash plume, further flight delays could occur at airports in the region. Ground transport disruptions could also occur. Falling ash could cause slick driving conditions on nearby roads and reduced visibility, leading to localized traffic disruptions.

Volcanic activity may impact air quality in the areas around Kanlaon. Individuals in the region - especially those with underlying pulmonary conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung cancers - may experience difficulty breathing and could suffer from lower tolerance to physical exertion.