In response to warnings of a potential volcanic eruption, hundreds of residents near Kanlaon volcano in the Philippines have evacuated their homes.

Approximately 300 individuals from villages within a four-kilometer radius of the volcano’s crater were relocated as a precautionary measure.

Residents reported a strong smell of sulfur, prompting the local government to act swiftly. The evacuees are currently being housed in schools and community centers away from the volcano, according to city officials.

Classes have been suspended, and several tourist attractions in the nearby city of Canlaon have closed due to the heightened volcanic activity.

Monitoring indicated that the volcano’s daily sulfur dioxide emissions nearly tripled to 9,985 tonnes, marking the highest levels recorded since monitoring began.

Read more

Philippines tells fishermen to ignore Beijing’s ban on fishing in South China Sea

Philippines lifts deployment ban of domestic workers to Saudi Arabia

Philippines approves emergency use of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine as COVID-19 cases spike

Experts have warned that this activity could lead to eruptive unrest, posing risks from fast-moving ash clouds and rockfalls. Kanlaon, which rises over 2,400 meters above sea level, is one of the Philippines’ 24 active volcanoes and has erupted 15 times in the past nine years.

The authorities raised the alert level for Kanlaon in June, indicating the potential for more explosive eruptions in the future.