At 3:03 PM today, December 9th, 2024, a powerful explosive eruption originated from the summit vent of Kanlaon Volcano. This eruption generated a voluminous plume of ash and volcanic gases, ascending to an altitude of 3,000 meters above the vent. The plume exhibited a westward drift, potentially impacting areas downwind. This event signifies a significant escalation in volcanic activity.
Eruption seen on the PHIVOLCS web cam.
The eruption also produced pyroclastic density currents. Monitoring equipment, including infrared and thermal cameras, tracked these PDCs as they descended the southeastern slopes of the volcano. PDCs pose a significant hazard due to their high temperatures and destructive potential. In light of this increased activity and the potential for further eruptions, Kanlaon Volcano has been raised to Alert Level 3, indicating a high level of volcanic unrest.
Due to the heightened volcanic activity and the potential for further eruptions, an exclusion zone with a 6-km radius from the summit of Kanlaon Volcano has been established.