Philippines' Kanlaon Volcano Spews 800-Meter Ash Plume

(MENAFN) A volatile volcano in the central Philippines roared back into activity before sunrise Tuesday, launching a towering ash column approximately 800 meters — roughly 2,624 feet — into the atmosphere as authorities kept emergency warnings firmly in place.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) confirmed that Kanlaon Volcano unleashed the eruptions shortly after dawn, with prevailing winds pushing the ash drift westward across the region. Alert Level 2 remains in effect, a designation signaling heightened volcanic unrest and the elevated potential for further activity, according to a local media outlet.

Within the previous 24-hour window alone, the volcano registered multiple discrete ash emissions alongside a series of volcanic earthquakes. Compounding concerns, scientists also detected elevated sulfur dioxide output and measurable ground swelling — indicators that volcanic pressure continues to build beneath the surface.

Authorities have issued firm public advisories urging residents and visitors to keep well clear of the established 4-kilometer — approximately 2.4-mile — permanent danger zone, citing the credible and ongoing threat of sudden, unpredictable eruptions.

Kanlaon, one of the Philippines' most active volcanoes, sits in the archipelago's Visayas region and has a long history of episodic eruptions. Officials have not yet signaled any intention to lower the current alert threshold as monitoring continues around the clock.

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