Philippines: Volcanic eruption displaces 45,000 people

At least 45,000 people have been displaced on Negros Island, Philippines, following the recent eruption of Mount Kanlaon, the strongest in recent years, Anadolu Agency reported. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced plans to evacuate approximately 84,000 individuals from the six-kilometer danger zone surrounding the volcano.

Kanlaon erupted on Monday, marking its second eruption this year, sending hot ash and gases up to 3 kilometers into the sky. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that the volcano emitted ash 13 times just a day prior.

Marcos emphasized that ensuring public safety is the government’s top priority, instructing the Armed Forces, National Police, and Bureau of Fire Protection in Negros to remain on high alert. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has also advised residents within a 10-kilometer radius to evacuate to safer areas. The eruption’s ash plume reached as far as Antique province, over 200 kilometers away. The Philippines is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area prone to volcanic activity.