Kanlaon Volcano spews ash anew, days after explosive eruption

MANILA, Philippines — Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Occidental began spewing ash again on Thursday afternoon, October 30, according to Phivolcs.

In a Facebook post, state seismologists reported that Kanlaon Volcano emitted ash at around 1 p.m. Thursday. It ended only after a few minutes.

The volcano, currently under Alert Level 2 for increased unrest, has experienced multiple ash emissions in recent weeks after showing little signs of activity over the past months.

On October 25, Kanlaon Volcano erupted three times, with ash emissions lasting between 26 minutes to over an hour. Two ash emissions were also recorded on October 23, lasting between 26 and 119 minutes. The plumes rose to 600 meters in height and were considered voluminous, with sulfur dioxide levels surpassing 2,200 tonnes. 

These frequent ash emissions were sandwiched by an explosive eruption on October 24, which lasted three minutes and rose 2,000 meters high, resulting in ashfall and a sulfurous odor affecting nearby barangays.

This has been the fifth eruption since June 3, 2024, with some eruptions considered minor. The eruption was also accompanied by 21 volcanic earthquakes.

The last time it erupted explosively was the day after the 2025 midterm elections took place. Another eruption occurred about a month earlier. Each generated roughly 3,000 to 4,000 meters of ash and volcanic gases. 

Phivolcs downgraded Kanlaon Volcano's alert status from Alert Level 3 to Level 2 on July 29 due to an observed drop in volcanic activity. 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.