Philippines volcano eruption at Mount Kanlaon has brought life to a standstill in parts of Negros Island, prompting the closure of 684 schools and disrupting education for nearly 385,000 students, according to Save the Children. In response to the emergency, nine schools have been repurposed into evacuation centers, offering temporary shelter to affected families.
This alarming development unfolded after Mount Kanlaon—located in the central Philippines—erupted on Monday. The eruption has since placed the area on Alert Level 3, signaling increased volcanic unrest and a potential hazardous eruption in the coming weeks.
Philippines Volcano Eruption Prompts Alert Level 3
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) confirmed that Alert Level 3 remains in effect for Mount Kanlaon. This level suggests magma is rising closer to the volcano’s surface, increasing the likelihood of lava flows and explosive eruptions.
Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol, speaking to DWPM radio, explained that the situation is being closely monitored. “The alert level could change—either escalate to Level 4 or downgrade to Level 2—depending on the speed of magma movement,” Bacolcol said. A quicker magma ascent would result in a more intense and hazardous eruption, he added.
Mount Kanlaon is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines and straddles the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. The mountain’s volcanic activity has been under scrutiny since December 2024, following an earlier explosive event.
Mount Kanlaon’s Explosive History and Ring of Fire Location
The Philippines volcano eruption at Mount Kanlaon is a grim reminder of the country’s location on the Pacific Ring of Fire—a seismically active belt known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. With over two dozen active volcanoes, the Philippines is highly susceptible to such natural disasters.
Images circulating on social media showed massive ash clouds billowing into the sky, with homes blanketed in gray volcanic ash. Residents were seen wearing masks and evacuating with basic belongings. The eruption lasted for six minutes, and at least 43 volcanic earthquakes have been recorded since Monday.
Philippines Volcano Eruption Raises Concerns Over Public Safety
As the volcano continues to show signs of unrest, public safety remains a top priority. Local governments have coordinated with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to assist families in affected regions.
Evacuation orders remain in effect, particularly in the four-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) around the volcano. Entry into this area is strictly prohibited due to the high risk of pyroclastic flows, ashfall, and landslides.
Emergency teams have also distributed relief goods and hygiene kits to displaced families. According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), additional resources are being mobilized to support evacuees with food, water, medical care, and psychosocial support.
How to Help Victims of the Philippines Volcano Eruption
Humanitarian organizations such as Save the Children, the Philippine Red Cross, and various local NGOs are on the ground responding to the crisis. They are providing critical supplies and helping to ensure that displaced children can continue their education through mobile classrooms and temporary learning spaces.
Here’s how you can help:
-
Donate: Monetary contributions to accredited organizations help them deliver emergency aid faster.
-
Volunteer: If you’re based in the Philippines, consider joining local relief efforts.
-
Share Information: Spreading awareness helps garner more support and funding for affected communities.
-
Support Education: Organizations are accepting donations specifically aimed at restoring education services for affected children.
Preparedness and Future Monitoring Efforts
The Philippines volcano eruption serves as a wake-up call for disaster preparedness and long-term community resilience. Experts urge the government to invest in early warning systems, volcanic monitoring, and public education campaigns.
Phivolcs continues to closely monitor Mount Kanlaon for any signs of escalation or de-escalation. Daily bulletins and real-time updates are being shared through official channels to ensure communities receive accurate and timely information.
