NEWS & POLITICAL

Volcanic Eruption in the Philippines Triggers Mass Evacuations

by admin on | 2025-03-15 19:36:53

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On March 15, 2025, a significant volcanic eruption rocked the Philippines, with Mount Kanlaon on Negros Island unleashing a powerful blast that sent ash plumes soaring into the sky. The eruption, which occurred in the early hours of the day, prompted the immediate evacuation of over 87,000 residents living within a 6-kilometer radius of the volcano’s summit. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the explosive event produced a towering column of ash and gas, accompanied by pyroclastic flows—superheated streams of gas, ash, and debris—that cascaded down the volcano’s slopes, posing an immediate threat to nearby communities. As a precaution, the alert level was raised to 3 on a 5-point scale, signaling the potential for further, more violent eruptions in the coming hours or days.

The impact of the eruption has been widespread, with volcanic ash blanketing towns and villages across Negros Occidental and reaching as far as Antique province, over 200 kilometers away. This thick ashfall has drastically reduced visibility, disrupted air travel, and raised significant health concerns due to the risk of respiratory issues from inhaling toxic particles. At least six domestic flights and one international flight bound for Singapore were canceled, while two local flights were diverted, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. Local authorities have mobilized disaster-response teams to set up evacuation centers, distributing face masks, food, and hygiene kits to displaced families, many of whom were preparing for the upcoming holiday season in this predominantly Catholic nation. Schools have been shuttered, and a nighttime curfew has been imposed in the hardest-hit areas to ensure public safety.

The situation remains volatile as volcanologists monitor Mount Kanlaon, one of the country’s 24 active volcanoes, for signs of escalating activity. Chief volcanologist Teresito Bacolcol noted that while the initial eruption was a singular, major event, the possibility of rising magma could trigger additional explosive outbursts with little warning. Historical data underscores the volcano’s destructive potential: Kanlaon last erupted in December 2024, affecting over 40,000 people, and a 1996 eruption claimed the lives of three hikers. Situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” the Philippines is no stranger to such natural disasters, but the timing of this eruption—amid peak travel and agricultural seasons—has amplified its economic and social toll. International aid agencies are on standby, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has assured the public that the government is prepared to provide sustained support to those affected as the crisis unfolds.