Phivolcs reports Kanlaon Volcano explosive eruption

[Updated Feb. 19, 2026, 6:34 p.m.]

MANILA, Philippines — A moderately explosive eruption occurred at Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island on Thursday afternoon, said the Philippine Institute of Seismology and Volcanology (Phivolcs).

According to Phivolcs in an advisory, the eruption occurred at the summit crater of Kanlaon Volcano at exactly 4:38 p.m., lasting for a total of two minutes.

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“This event generated a dark gray eruption plume that rose 2,000 meters above the crater before drifting southwest,” Phivolcs said.

Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) then descended the southern and southwestern upper slopes within one kilometer of the summit crater upon eruption.

With this, Alert Level 2 remains raised over Kanlaon Volcano, with entry into its 4 kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone strictly prohibited.

Alert Level 2 indicates that sudden steam-driven (phreatic) eruptions and signs of impending magmatic activity are possible under this alert level.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) warned the public of pyroclastic flows and ashfall caused by the eruption moving toward the southwest at around 4:39 p.m.

“Please remain alert, always exercise caution, and follow the advisories and warnings issued by authorities,” the OCD said. /gsg /mr