The Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island in the Philippines has erupted, prompting the mass evacuation of approximately 87,000 residents.
The volcano began emitting thick clouds of smoke on December 9, sending panic through nearby communities.
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Dramatic footage shared online, viewed over 20,000 times, captured a dense, cauliflower-shaped plume rising 1.86 miles (three kilometers) into the sky, illustrating the force of the eruption as the smoke billowed higher and spread across the mountain’s base.
Standing at over 2,400 meters (8,000 feet) above sea level, Mount Kanlaon is one of the tallest peaks in the Visayas region and among the Philippines’ most active volcanoes.
Thermal imaging and x-ray monitors have detected hot flows of ash and debris descending the volcano’s slopes, with these pyroclastic flows capable of moving at hundreds of feet per second.
Authorities have implemented a safety zone extending 3.7 miles (six kilometers) around the volcano, urging residents to leave immediately.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) escalated the alert level from 2 to 3, signifying “magmatic unrest” and warning of the potential for more hazardous eruptions. In a statement, PHIVOLCS confirmed the eruption occurred at 3:03 PM on December 9, producing a massive plume that drifted west-southwest.
The agency emphasized the possibility of further explosive events and urged local governments to maintain evacuations within the established danger zone, remaining ready for expanded measures if the situation worsens.
Kanlaon is one of over two dozen active volcanoes in the Philippines and has erupted earlier this year on June 3, with a previous eruption in December 2017.
PHIVOLCS continues to monitor the activity closely, particularly the unpredictable and highly dangerous pyroclastic density currents.
The British Geological Survey describes these events as among the most hazardous aspects of explosive eruptions due to their rapid movement and immense destructive potential.
The eruption has underscored the volatile nature of the region’s geology, with residents facing uncertainty as they await further developments.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of those in the vicinity and preparing for possible escalations in volcanic activity.
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SOURCE: Giant volcano eruption forces mass evacuation as hot ash sent shooting into sky
