Philippine volcano erupts, giant ash column rises 4.5km high

Mount Kanlaon in the central Philippines during its latest eruption on April 15, 2025 - Photo: INQUIRER.NET

According to AFP, in the early morning of May 13, Kanlaon volcano - one of the active volcanoes on Negros Island, central Philippines - suddenly erupted, creating a dense column of ash rising up to 4.5km high and spreading west.

The eruption lasted about five minutes and occurred at 2:55 a.m. local time, according to a statement from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), which assessed it as a “moderate” explosion.

Camera captures volcano eruption in Philippines, ash column about 4.5km high

According to PHIVOLCS, hot rock fragments and volcanic material flows caused fires in some vegetated areas near the summit.

Thunderous rumbling sounds were reported by residents in nearby areas and light ashfall was reported in many locations following the eruption.

Although there were no casualties, authorities maintained the volcano's alert level at 3 on a 5-level scale, due to the risk of short-term, moderate eruptions that could be life-threatening.

The warning has been in place since the eruption last December, and remains in place.

People are advised to stay away from the area within a 6km radius of the crater due to the risk of hot flows, flying rocks, landslides and ash.

Mount Kanlaon is one of 24 active volcanoes in the Philippines, and has had several eruptions over the past century, most recently in April.

In 1996, an eruption at the mountain killed three climbers when they were hit by falling hot rocks near the summit.

The Philippines lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a geologically active area that is home to more than half of the world's volcanoes.

The most destructive recent volcanic eruption was that of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, which killed more than 800 people and affected millions of people.

The Philippine government is currently monitoring the situation and calling on the public to remain vigilant, stay updated with information from authorities and follow evacuation instructions when instructed.

PUBLIC

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nui-lua-philippines-phun-trao-cot-tro-khong-lo-boc-cao-4-5km-20250513120102637.htm