By CESAR JOLITO III
Kanlaon Volcano had another explosive eruption last night, a total of two volcanic activities within a week, raising continued concerns over ashfall and volcanic hazards in parts of Negros Island.
The two-minute moderate eruption occurred at 7:04 p.m. yesterday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
The event produced an ash-laden plume that rose 2,500 meters above the crater and drifted toward the southwest, posing potential ashfall threats to nearby communities.
Phivolcs also reported that incandescent ballistics were observed to have rained around the crater while pyroclastic density currents descended on the eastern and southeastern upper slopes within two kilometers of the summit crater.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo Bacolod, Ptolemy Mañego, science research assistant from Phivolcs’ Kanlaon Volcano Observatory, said ash emissions were being carried southwest by prevailing winds.
The eruption was similar in nature to the moderately explosive activity recorded last February 19, based on observations by Phivolcs.
In La Castellana, Vice Mayor Rhumylla Mangulimutan confirmed that five barangays were affected by ashfall following the eruption.
She said Barangay Sag-ang was blanketed with ash, while ashfall was also reported in Barangays Mansalanao, Robles and Camandag.
Mangulimutan also added that an alleged forest fire broke out in Barangay Mananawin, adding to concerns in the area.
She said authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely to prevent the fire from spreading.
With volcanic activity persisting, the municipal government has begun preparing residents in the affected barangays for possible evacuation, should conditions worsen or further eruptions occur.
Classes at all levels, both public and private, in Isabela and La Castellana will be suspended on Friday, February 27, as a precaution to a sulfuric odor in several barangays.
Isabela Mayor Miguel Angelo Yulo announced the suspension, citing concerns for the health and safety of learners, teachers and school personnel amid possible volcanic emissions affecting air quality.
Meanwhile, the Canlaon City government in Negros Oriental ordered the suspension of classes at all levels, both public and private, on February 27, 2026, through Executive Order No. 26, due to the moderately explosive eruption.
City officials said the move was aimed at ensuring the safety of students and school personnel amid ongoing ashfall risks./CJ, WDJ