Mount Kanlaon Erupts Again: A Volcanic Fury in the Philippines

On Sunday, March 15, 2026, Mount Kanlaon, located on the picturesque Negros Island in the Philippines, erupted for the third time this year, sending shockwaves through the local community and raising concerns among scientists.

The eruption occurred precisely at 6:07 p.m. local time, releasing an ash plume that soared to an impressive height of 5 kilometers.

This latest eruption follows two previous eruptions earlier in February, specifically on February 19 and February 26, both classified as moderate intensity events.

The frequency of these eruptions indicates that Mount Kanlaon is currently in a highly unstable phase, prompting experts to keep a close watch on the volcano’s activity.

According to the Philippine Insтιтute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), historical data reveals that Mount Kanlaon has been in an active phase since June 2024, with past eruptions displacing thousands of residents and causing significant economic damage in the region.

As the eruption unfolded, scientists diligently monitored the volcano’s seismic signals and ground movement, prepared to raise the alert level should the situation escalate further.

The ash plume generated by the eruption drifted toward the southeast and northeast, affecting various communities near the volcano.

Residents in the village of Monsalano, located in the town of La Castallana, Negros Occidental, reported experiencing ashfall, which created a surreal and unsettling atmosphere in the area.

One resident exclaimed, “Oh my god,” reflecting the shock and concern felt by many as the ash began to blanket their surroundings.

In addition to the ashfall, residents in other areas also reported smelling sulfur, a distinctive odor ᴀssociated with volcanic activity.

The smell was notably detected in the Mumm neighborhood of Larota and the Codcod neighborhood of San Carlos, further indicating the volcano’s unrest.

Disaster response teams confirmed reports of a forest fire in the danger zone surrounding Mount Kanlaon, raising additional alarms about the potential hazards posed by the eruption.

In response to the ongoing volcanic activity, PHIVOLCS announced that a level two alert status remains in effect for Mount Kanlaon.

This alert level signifies that there are signs of magmatic activity beneath the volcano, indicating the possibility of sudden steam-driven eruptions at any moment.

As a precautionary measure, entry into the 4-kilometer permanent danger zone surrounding the volcano has been strictly prohibited.

Local authorities and disaster response agencies have taken proactive steps to warn the public, advising residents to keep windows and doors closed and to exercise caution if they must venture outside.

Officials have also issued serious warnings regarding the potential for heavy rainfall to mix with volcanic ash in the region, leading to the risk of lahar or mudflows.

The Negros Island Region Civil Defense Office is closely coordinating with PHIVOLCS and relevant local government units to monitor developments and gather the latest information from affected communities.

Despite the eruption and the resultant ash emissions, airport operations in the region continue to proceed as usual.

Officials confirmed that there have been no flight cancellations at Balad International Airport, a crucial hub for the region.

Coordination with aviation authorities has been established to ensure flight safety following the eruption, providing reᴀssurance to travelers and residents alike.

As the situation continues to develop, the public is encouraged to stay informed about the volcanic activity and its potential impacts.

Natural disasters can have far-reaching consequences, and the eruption of Mount Kanlaon serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the need for preparedness.

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