The Kanlaon Volcano eruption on December 9, 2024, disrupted air travel across the Philippines. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Mt. Kanlaon erupted at 3:03 PM, with activity lasting 3 minutes and 55 seconds.

The event prompted an Alert Level 3 warning, indicating significant magmatic activity and potential for hazardous eruptions in the coming weeks.

The eruption, characterized by increased earthquakes, substantial steam and ash emissions, and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) descending from Mt. Kanlaon’s southeastern slope, has caused widespread caution in Negros Island. 

Residents are advised to avoid the six-kilometer danger zone surrounding Mt. Kanlaon Volcano.

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PHIVOLCS Chief Teresito Bacolcol stressed the heightened risks, urging vigilance. 

Due to concerns about hazardous eruptions in the following weeks, today’s Kanlaon Volcano update has been closely monitored.

Affected Flights and Travel Adjustments

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced the cancellation of several flights due to volcanic ash clouds affecting visibility and air traffic safety. These include:

Canceled Flights:

• Cebu Pacific Air:
  • Iloilo–Manila: Flights 5J456, 5J462
  • Iloilo–Singapore: Flight 5J283
  • Iloilo–Dumaguete: Flight 5J4821
  • Dumaguete–Iloilo: Flight 5J4822
• CebGo:
  • Iloilo–Manila: Flight DG 6415
• Philippine Airlines:
  • Manila–Puerto Princesa: Flight PR2781

Diverted Flights to Mactan-Cebu International Airport:

• Cebu Pacific Air:
  • Manila–Iloilo: Flight CEB459
  • Bicol–Iloilo: Flight CEB4811

The Kanlaon Volcano eruption in 2024 is a stark reminder of the Philippines’ active volcanic landscape.

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Authorities continue to provide updates, ensuring the safety of travelers and residents around Mt. Kanlaon Volcano’s location in Negros Occidental. 

Stay tuned for the latest reports on Mt. Kanlaon eruption today.

If you want to know more about the volcanic eruption, check out these details:

Why is Mt. Kanlaon significant in the Philippines’ geological history?

Mt. Kanlaon, also known as Bulkang Kanlaon, is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, located in Negros Occidental on Negros Island. Its geological significance stems from its frequent activity over centuries, shaping the island’s landscape and providing fertile soil for agriculture. 

The Kanlaon Volcano location is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for intense seismic and volcanic activity. Understanding its history helps scientists predict events like the recent Mt. Kanlaon volcano eruption and mitigate risks to local communities.

What measures are in place to monitor and respond to Mt. Kanlaon eruptions?

PHIVOLCS, the country’s authority on volcanic activity, uses seismic equipment to monitor Mt. Kanlaon and provide regular updates. During the Mt. Kanlaon volcano eruption in 2024, instruments recorded increased seismic activity and emissions, raising the alert to Level 3. 

Key measures include evacuation protocols, hazard maps, and no-entry advisories for the six-kilometer danger zone. This monitoring helps reduce casualties and inform actions like flight cancellations, as seen with the recent disruptions.

How does the recent Kanlaon eruption impact tourism in Negros Occidental?

The Mt. Kanlaon eruption has led to temporary travel disruptions, including flight cancellations to Negros Occidental. Tourism activities like trekking in Mount Kanlaon National Park are suspended to ensure visitor safety.

Sources: (1), (2), (3)

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