NEGROS — Mount Kanlaon, one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, erupted on Saturday afternoon, sending ash into the sky and prompting warnings for nearby communities in Negros Island.

The eruption, which occurred at around 6:00 p.m., was captured on video by Lorabelle Ann in Sitio Nahanunga, Barangay Biaknabato in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, Philippines. The footage shows a plume of ash rising from the volcano during the explosive event.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the activity has been classified as a moderate explosive eruption. Such eruptions can eject volcanic ash, gases, and fragments of rock into the air, potentially affecting nearby areas.

Authorities warned residents living in communities surrounding the volcano to prepare for possible ashfall, which may impact villages located within the vicinity of Kanlaon. Volcanic ash can cause health problems such as respiratory irritation and may also affect crops, water sources, and visibility on roads.

Local disaster response teams and government units are expected to closely monitor the situation and provide updates to ensure the safety of residents. Communities near the volcano are typically advised to wear masks or protective coverings during ashfall and to remain alert for further announcements from authorities.

Mount Kanlaon, which straddles the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, has experienced several eruptions and periods of unrest over the years, making it one of the country’s most closely monitored volcanoes.

As volcanic activity continues to be monitored by scientists, an important question now emerges: Is the region fully prepared to respond quickly if Kanlaon’s activity intensifies in the coming days?

(Larawan mula kay: Lorabelle Ann / Facebook)