Mt. Kanlaon Erupts Anew: Alert Level 2 Raised Amid Ashfall and Tremors in Negros

Nature is putting on a terrifying yet awe-inspiring display as Mount Kanlaon violently awakens once again. Exactly a week after its explosive outburst on February 19, the restless giant in the heart of Negros Island unleashed another moderate explosive eruption on the evening of February 26, 2026. The sudden blast sent shockwaves through nearby municipalities, serving as a stark reminder that this towering natural wonder commands absolute respect from the communities living in its shadow.  

​The latest eruption was nothing short of cinematic, violently expelling a massive, dark gray ash plume that skyrocketed 2,500 meters into the night sky. Glowing incandescent fragments illuminated the crater, while terrifying pyroclastic density currents—superheated clouds of gas and volcanic matter—barreled down the eastern and southeastern slopes. For the thousands of locals who heard the booming explosion and felt the ground tremble beneath their feet, it was a sudden, heart-pounding wake-up call.

​In response to the escalating volcanic unrest, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has firmly maintained Alert Level 2. This critical warning signals moderate unrest and strictly prohibits any human entry into the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ). Authorities are working around the clock, continuously monitoring the seismic tremors and toxic sulfur dioxide emissions to determine if the threat level needs to be raised even higher in the coming days.  

​The fallout from Kanlaon’s fury is already blanketing the region, with thick, suffocating ashfall raining down on dozens of barangays across Negros Occidental. Local government units have rapidly mobilized, suspending classes and executing forced evacuations for families living dangerously close to the danger zone. From Canlaon City to La Castellana, emergency rescue teams and transportation fleets are on high alert, working tirelessly to ensure nobody is left in the path of potential secondary hazards like rain-driven mudflows.  

​While the situation remains highly volatile, the undeniable spirit of Filipino resilience continues to shine through the volcanic haze. Residents are strongly urged to stay indoors, wear N95 masks to protect their lungs from the abrasive ash, and keep their emergency go-bags packed and ready by the door. By staying calm, looking out for one another, and strictly following official safety advisories, communities across Negros Island are standing strong together in the face of nature’s unpredictable wrath.