Images captured the moment a massive ash cloud ascended into the sky after a significant volcanic eruption today. The eruption took place at Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island in the Philippines at approximately 6 pm local time, characterized by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology as a “moderately explosive eruption.”

This event marks the third eruption at the volcano this year, prompting the issuance of Alert Level 2 in the region and the establishment of a 4 km danger zone perimeter. Alert Level 2 signifies the possibility of sudden steam-driven eruptions and indications of potential magmatic activity.

Kanlaon Volcano, situated on Negros Island, stands as one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, particularly in the Central Philippines region. As the highest peak on Negros Island, it sits about 36 km southeast of Bacolod City, within Kanlaon National Park.

Today’s eruption adds to the series of volcanic activities at Kanlaon, with two previous eruptions occurring on February 19 and February 26, all classified as ‘moderately explosive.’ Witnesses reported observing a cloud of ash emanating from the volcano, accompanied by a distinct sulfuric odor in the atmosphere.

The ash column, reaching a height of 5 km, drifted towards the southeast and northeast directions following the eruption. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology confirmed the recent eruption and highlighted the need to maintain Alert Level 2 at Kanlaon Volcano, emphasizing the prohibition of entry into the 4 km Permanent Danger Zone surrounding the volcano.