MANILA, Philippines — February 26, 2026 — Mount Kanlaon, one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, erupted again on Thursday evening, sending a towering ash plume and pyroclastic flows down its slopes. 

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the moderately explosive eruption began at 7:04 p.m. and lasted for about two minutes. Seismic and infrasound instruments recorded the event, which generated a dense ash column rising approximately 2,500 meters above the summit crater before drifting southwest.

Incandescent fragments were observed raining around the crater, while pyroclastic density currents descended the eastern and southeastern upper slopes within two kilometers of the summit. Continuous ash emissions followed the initial blast, prompting PHIVOLCS to closely monitor the volcano for possible changes in its alert level.

This latest eruption comes just a week after Kanlaon’s previous activity on February 19, underscoring the volcano’s heightened unrest. PHIVOLCS had earlier placed Kanlaon under Alert Level 2, indicating moderate volcanic unrest, and warned residents of possible sudden explosions, ashfall, and hazardous pyroclastic flows.

Kanlaon, located on Negros Island, is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and has a long history of eruptions. Its activity poses risks to nearby communities in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, where agriculture and daily life are often disrupted by ashfall and lava flows. Authorities have reminded residents to remain vigilant, avoid entry into the four-kilometer permanent danger zone, and heed official advisories.

The eruption highlights the continuing volatility of Kanlaon, which has erupted multiple times in recent years. PHIVOLCS said it will continue to assess monitoring parameters within the next 24 hours to determine if the current alert level needs to be raised. For now, local governments are on standby to implement emergency measures should volcanic activity intensify further.

This renewed unrest at Kanlaon serves as a reminder of the Philippines’ vulnerability to natural hazards, with experts stressing the importance of preparedness and community cooperation in mitigating the impacts of volcanic eruptions.

Image from Miss Ching Lagawing