In brief
A volcanic eruption on Negros Island has led to a mass evacuation as nearly 90,000 residents flee the danger zone.
The Philippine authorities executed a large-scale evacuation on Monday, affecting almost 90,000 residents on the central island of Negros due to the alarming eruption of Mount Kanlaon. The volcano erupted violently, ejecting a towering plume of ash, lava, and volcanic rocks that soared two miles into the atmosphere. As experts from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology cautioned residents to prepare for potential future eruptions, they raised the volcano's alert status from level 2 to level 3, indicating significant ensuing threats. "This is very destructive, and it can burn everything in its path, including vegetation, buildings, and humans," warned Teresito Bacolcol, the head of seismology. In response to the escalating danger, authorities have declared a hazardous zone extending six kilometers (approximately 3.7 miles) from the volcano's summit. Within this designated area, roughly 47,000 individuals from the upland municipality of La Castellana were instructed to evacuate. The Panaad Stadium, located in Bacolod City and capable of accommodating up to 30,000 people, has been designated as the primary evacuation center, with additional shelters established across eleven local villages. The Philippines is home to around 100 volcanoes, of which 24 are classified as active. Nestled on the Pacific Ring of Fire—a region known for its high volcanic activity—Kanlaon has recorded over 40 eruptions since 1866. The threat of volcanic eruptions is not new; a particularly tragic incident in 1996 led to the demise of three hikers during an explosion. As individuals and families seek refuge, the impacts of this latest eruption are being closely monitored, with further updates expected in the coming days.
