Mount Kanlaon erupted again on the evening of February 26 at approximately 7:04 p.m. local time, producing an explosive event that sent an ash plume rising about 2.5 kilometers above the summit crater. Thermal infrared footage captured the eruption in vivid detail, showing a rapid burst of superheated material and gas venting vertically before dispersing into the night sky over central Negros.

The latest activity marks the sixth significant eruption in Kanlaon’s ongoing 2024–2026 unrest cycle, a period characterized by intermittent explosions, elevated seismicity, and increased volcanic gas emissions. Monitoring data from PHIVOLCS has consistently indicated persistent magmatic movement beneath the volcano, with fluctuating tremor levels and sulfur dioxide output suggesting that pressure continues to build within the system.

The two-minute eruptive phase observed in the thermal footage displayed a classic explosive signature, with a dense ash column forming rapidly and then spreading laterally as it encountered upper-level winds. Such events pose localized hazards including ashfall, reduced visibility, and potential respiratory risks for nearby communities, as well as aviation concerns if ash reaches flight corridors.

Authorities have maintained alert protocols around the volcano, restricting access to the permanent danger zone and advising residents to remain vigilant for sudden changes in activity. While the eruption was relatively short-lived, the pattern of repeated explosive episodes indicates that Kanlaon remains in an unstable state, with the possibility of further eruptions in the coming weeks or months.

Emergency management units on Negros Island continue to coordinate with local governments to ensure preparedness measures are in place, including ashfall response plans, evacuation contingencies, and public information campaigns. Communities within range of potential ash dispersal have been reminded to use protective masks, secure water sources, and monitor official advisories.

Kanlaon is one of the Philippines’ most active stratovolcanoes, and its current eruptive phase underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and rapid communication between scientific agencies and local authorities. The combination of thermal imaging, seismic tracking, and gas measurements provides critical early warning capability, allowing officials to mitigate risks and protect populations living in the volcano’s shadow.

As the eruption cycle continues, PHIVOLCS is expected to maintain heightened surveillance and issue updates should activity escalate. The latest explosion serves as a clear reminder that Kanlaon’s magmatic system remains dynamic, requiring sustained caution from both residents and aviation operators in the region.