On December 9, 2024, Mount Kanlaon erupted violently in the central Philippines, casting a massive ash cloud that reached over eight thousand feet into the atmosphere. This significant geological event prompted immediate government action to evacuate thousands of residents from nearby areas, as the volcano is listed among the Philippines’ 24 active volcanoes. The nearly four-minute eruption released a 2.5-mile ash column and emitted a dangerous mix of hot ash, gases, and fragmented rock that traveled two miles down the mountain’s southeastern slope. In response to this alarming activity, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the country’s volcano alert level, indicating that further explosive eruptions could occur.
Although no fatalities were reported following the eruption, the ash fallout significantly affected the surrounding regions, even reaching places as far as Antique province, situated roughly 120 miles away across the sea. The volcanic ash posed a health hazard, obstructing visibility and increasing risks of respiratory issues for the local populace. Authorities underscored the seriousness of the ash’s impact, with the monitoring chief of the Philippine Institute, Maria Antonia Bornas, likening the danger from pyroclastic density currents to being struck by a fast-moving vehicle. She emphasized the importance of evacuating fifteen villages within a six-kilometer radius of the crater to safeguard the lives of nearby residents.
The volcanic activity disrupted air travel, leading to the cancellation of several domestic flights along with one headed for Singapore, as reported by the Philippine Civil Aviation Authority. Ongoing evacuations primarily focused on four upland villages situated on the volcano’s southwestern slope, where local police confirmed that efforts were underway to ensure the safety of residents. The Philippine government characterized the situation as urgent, with the evacuation operation expected to impact approximately 87,000 individuals residing in proximity to the volcano.
Eyewitness accounts, like that of La Castellana resident Dianne Paula Abendan, illustrated the public’s anticipation of the eruption. Many in the vicinity had observed increasing smoke signals from the volcano in the days leading up to the eruption and had prepared for an inevitable event. While the eruption did prompt immediate reactions, some residents noted a brief lull in volcanic activity shortly thereafter, leading to increased uncertainty amidst the chaos of evacuation orders.
Despite the alarming eruption, flight operations at Bacolod-Silay International Airport, the nearest airport to the volcano, reportedly continued as usual, although airlines received advisories to remain cautious and avoid flying below 10,000 feet near the volcanic zone. Flight operators were explicitly warned of potential hazards associated with unanticipated steam-driven eruptions and other volcanic phenomena, underscoring the ongoing risks in the area as the situation evolved.
Historically, Mount Kanlaon has a troubled reputation, with more than 40 recorded eruptions since 1866. One of the most tragic incidents occurred in 1996 when three hikers lost their lives due to raging ash ejection. Prior to this eruption, recent activity had prompted the evacuation of hundreds of residents in September due to harmful gas emissions, illustrating the volcano’s continuous threat to local communities. The eruption serves as a reminder of the Philippines’ precarious geological landscape and the continuing need for diligence in monitoring and responding to volcanic activities.