Kanlaon and Taal Volcanoes released ash plumes on Monday morning, Oct. 20, prompting renewed advisories from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Kanlaon emitted grayish ash for 10 minutes beginning at 7:28 a.m., while Taal produced a 500-meter steam-and-ash plume during a brief phreatomagmatic eruption at 6:13 a.m.
Phivolcs said Kanlaon’s ash emission rose about 300 meters above the summit crater and drifted westward.
The event was captured by the Kanlaon Volcano Observatory’s IP camera in Canlaon City.
Twenty-five volcanic earthquakes were recorded in the past 24 hours, indicating continued activity beneath the volcano.
Alert Level 2 remains in effect, signifying “moderate unrest.”
Residents and visitors are advised to avoid the four-kilometer permanent danger zone due to risks of sudden explosions, pyroclastic density currents, rockfalls, and exposure to volcanic gases.
Heavy rainfall may also trigger lahars in surrounding rivers and drainages.
Taal Volcano’s eruption lasted one minute and was recorded by the Main Crater IP camera. Phivolcs explained that the phreatomagmatic event occurred when magma interacted with water, producing steam, ash, and fragmented volcanic material.
Taal remains under Alert Level 1, indicating abnormal activity without an imminent eruption.
However, sudden phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and toxic gas emissions remain possible.
Entry to Taal Volcano Island, especially the main crater and Daang Kastila fissure, is strictly prohibited.
Local government units near both volcanoes have been urged to remain vigilant and prepared for possible evacuation scenarios.
Civil aviation authorities were also advised to avoid flying close to the summits due to potential ash hazards. (Ellalyn de Vera-Ruiz)
