MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Mount Kanlaon, one of the Philippines’ most active volcanoes, erupted on Monday night, forcing more than 700 people to evacuate to safety. The explosion sent a plume of ash and steam into the sky, triggering alarm sirens in the nearby city of Canlaon. Fortunately, no casualties were reported as residents fled to evacuation centers and relatives’ homes.
Authorities raised the alert level to two, indicating a moderate level of volcanic unrest. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that 796 individuals from 170 families had been relocated to evacuation centers, with government aircraft on standby if needed. The eruption also led to the temporary closure of resorts in the area to prevent injuries in case of another eruption.
Teresito Bacolcol, from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, stated that the eruption scattered ash up to 10 kilometers away. It remains uncertain whether Kanlaon’s activity will escalate or calm down in the coming days. The Philippines, located in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” experiences frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and natural disasters, making it one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world.
The volatile situation at Mount Kanlaon serves as a reminder of the country’s geographical challenges and the importance of being prepared for potential emergencies. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and enforcing safety measures to protect the residents in the affected areas.
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