Kanlaon eruption raises lahar threat amid Inday rains

Justine Castro

Warnings against destructive lahar flows in downstream communities of Kanlaon Volcano has been issued after a “moderately explosive eruption” occurred on the morning of July 9, with ashfall blanketing Negros Island and Cebu. 

Resident volcanologist Mari Andylene Quintia from Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOLCS) called on authorities and residents in nearby areas to remain vigilant and monitor updates, as lahar flows could be spawned by the expected heavy rains of Typhoon “Inday.” 

According to PHILVOLCS, the eruption at the summit crater occurred at 7:33 a.m. and lasted 3 minutes, generating a dark gray plume that rose 2 to 3 kilometers above the crater before drifting eastward. 

Although the typhoon has weakened since entering the Philippine area of responsibility on July 8, prevailing eastward winds and the southwest monsoon (Habagat), intensified by Inday, continue to carry volcanic ashfall to Cebu. 

PHILVOLCS Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division head Mariton Antonia Bornas said in an online press conference that weather conditions play a crucial role in determining the direction and extent of volcanic hazards. 

Several local government units in Cebu suspended classes and, in some areas, government work as 12 cities and municipalities experienced ashfall. 

The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) 7 identified the affected areas as Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Toledo, Naga, and Talisay, as well as the towns of Pinamungajan, Balamban, Aloguinsan, Cordova, Minglanilla, and Consolacion. 

PHILVOLCS reminds protocols on entering into the 4-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone, with Alert Level 2 maintained over Kanlaon Volcano. 

Ongoing increased volcanic unrest has been observed at Mt. Kanlaon, which has been under Alert Level 2 since July 29, 2025, covering 24,557.60 hectares of land area with rainforests and verdant vegetation. 

The government agency said it continues to closely monitor the volcano’s seismic activity, sulfur dioxide emissions, and ground deformation, and has advised residents in nearby areas to remain alert for possible ashfall.