Moderate explosive eruption recorded in Kanlaon

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February 20, 2026 | 12:00am

BACOLOD CITY Philippines —  State volcanologists yesterday recorded what they described as a moderate explosive eruption at Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island.

The eruption, which occurred at the summit crater at 4:38 p.m., lasted two minutes.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the eruption triggered ashfall events and sulfur stench in 26 barangays in Negros Occidental.

The volcanic activity prompted local officials in the cities of Bago and La Carlota as well as in the town of La Castellana to cancel classes.

The eruption generated a dark gray plume that rose 2,000 meters above the crater and drifted southwest.

Phivolcs said that  pyroclastic density currents were detected along the southern and southwestern upper slopes of the volcano.

The volcanic activity was recorded by IP cameras of the Kanlaon Volcano Network.

The Office of Civil Defense-Negros Island Region said that shockwaves were felt in the towns of Hinigaran, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Pontevedra and San Enrique in Negros Occidental.

As of last night, residents of Barangay Ara-al in La Carlota City were being evacuated to prevent casualties or injuries should the volcanic activity escalate.

Kanlaon has been under Alert Level 2 since July 29, 2025.