Aerial Survey of Kanlaon Volcano Conducted Amid Ongoing Eruption Risks and Evacuations

On Thursday, an inter-agency team comprising officials from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) conducted an aerial survey of Kanlaon Volcano following its recent explosive eruption. The aerial survey, which began at 8:29 a.m. and lasted for nearly an hour, was carried out using two S701 Black Hawk helicopters provided by the Philippine Air Force (PAF). The primary aim of this aerial inspection was to assess the volcano's current condition and identify areas that may require immediate attention due to the hazards posed by the recent volcanic activity. The survey involved key officials including PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol and OCD Regional Directors Raul Fernandez and Joel Erestain, along with other PAF representatives. "The inter-agency team utilized the aerial platforms to gain a comprehensive overview of the situation," noted the PAF in a statement. "These helicopters will also be used for the airlift of volumes of relief goods intended for the affected communities." This highlights not only the immediate need to understand the volcanic activity but also the urgency of providing assistance to those impacted by the eruptions. On Monday, Kanlaon Volcano erupted explosively, sending a significant plume of ash up to 4,000 meters into the atmosphere. The eruption resulted in ashfall in nearby areas and the generation of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), which posed further risks to the surrounding communities. In response to the heightened threat level, Alert Level 3 has been maintained over the volcano, indicating a high level of volcanic unrest with potential for hazardous eruptions in the coming weeks. Authorities have warned of several possible hazards stemming from the volcano's activity. These include sudden explosive eruptions, lava effusion, ashfall, PDCs, rockfalls, and lahars, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. As a precaution, the danger zone surrounding the volcano has been expanded to a six-kilometer radius from the summit crater, with ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of residents in the vicinity. As of Wednesday, the OCD reported that approximately 39,258 individuals, or about 9,942 families, have been evacuated from the danger zone, which is only about 46% of the targeted 84,549 evacuees. The urgency of the situation continues to drive efforts to relocate those at risk and provide them with the necessary resources and support during this critical time. With volcanic activity posing a significant threat to lives and livelihoods, the collaboration between various agencies underscores the importance of coordinated disaster response and preparedness in the face of natural hazards. The communities near Kanlaon Volcano remain on high alert as safety protocols are enforced and further evaluations are conducted to monitor the volcano's behavior in the days ahead.