Philippines on High Alert as Kanlaon Volcano Triggers Evacuations and Disrupts Travel

Kanlaon Volcano in the Philippines has forced the evacuation of 300 residents due to increased sulphur emissions and hundreds of earthquakes. Schools and tourist sites have been closed as authorities remain on high alert. Experts warn of potential eruptions, putting nearby villages at risk from ash clouds and falling debris.

The Philippines' Kanlaon Volcano has prompted authorities to evacuate hundreds of locals and tourists as volcanic activity intensifies. On Tuesday, around 300 residents from villages near the volcano were moved to temporary shelters in schools and community centers due to rising sulphur emissions and frequent volcanic tremors. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded a significant increase in sulphur dioxide emissions, reaching nearly 10,000 tonnes per day— the highest level since gas monitoring began.

The volcano has experienced 337 earthquakes in the last 24 hours, with plumes rising 1,000 meters above its crater. As a result, tourist sites have been shut down, and schools in the region are closed for safety reasons. The PHIVOLCS has warned that the volcano may enter a phase of "eruptive unrest," which could lead to dangerous ash clouds, falling rocks, and other hazards for nearby residents.

Kanlaon, one of 24 active volcanoes in the Philippines, stands at over 2,400 meters above sea level on Negros Island. With 15 recorded eruptions over the past nine years, the volcano has long been a threat to surrounding communities. The country’s location within the Pacific "Ring of Fire" makes it prone to such seismic and volcanic activities, often leading to emergency responses.

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Local officials remain on high alert, monitoring the situation closely as more evacuations may be necessary if the volcanic activity continues to escalate.