Mount Kanlaon isn't just a scenic backdrop for Negros Island; it’s a living, breathing giant that’s been particularly restless lately. If you’ve been feeling those rattles in Bacolod or La Carlota, you’re definitely not alone.
Honestly, the situation on the ground today, January 15, 2026, feels a bit heavy. We aren't looking at a massive, Hollywood-style explosion right this second, but the mountain is clearly trying to tell us something. PHIVOLCS has been tracking a significant spike in activity that has everyone from local farmers to aviation authorities leaning in a little closer.
The big worry? It’s a mix of "rock fracturing" and the threat of mud.
What’s Actually Happening with the Mt Kanlaon Eruption Today?
Since the clock struck midnight on Wednesday, the Kanlaon Volcano Network has been busy. Very busy. We’re talking about a sudden surge of volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes—over 78 recorded in a single 24-hour window ending this morning.
These aren't your typical "shifting plates" earthquakes. These VT events are caused by rocks literally breaking apart deep underground. Why? Because magma or magmatic gas is pushing its way up, forcing a path toward the surface. It’s like a pressurized pipe trying to burst through concrete.
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The Numbers You Need to Know
- Seismic Count: 78 VT earthquakes in 24 hours (with some felt at Intensity IV).
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): Hovering around 1,496 tons per day, though it peaked over 4,000 tons earlier this month.
- Plumes: Ash emissions have been spotted reaching up to 500-900 meters high.
- Alert Level: It’s staying at Alert Level 2 for now, which basically means "increased unrest."
Most people think an eruption is just one big "boom," but it’s often these long, drawn-out sequences of ashing and shaking that do the most damage to local nerves. Teresito Bacolcol, the Director of PHIVOLCS, has been pretty transparent about the fact that this could go either way. It might simmer down, or it could escalate into a phreatic (steam-driven) explosion with almost no warning.
The "Double Threat" of Ash and Rain
Here is the thing about Kanlaon that makes it different from other volcanoes: the weather.
Right now, Tropical Depression Ada is moving through the region. You’ve got a restless volcano dumping ash and loose debris on the slopes, and then you’ve got heavy rains pouring on top of it. That is a recipe for lahars.
Lahars are basically volcanic mudflows that have the consistency of wet cement and the speed of a freight train. They don't need a massive eruption to happen; they just need loose volcanic material and enough water to wash it down into the river systems.
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Communities in Bago City, La Castellana, and Canlaon City are already being told to watch the river levels. If you see the water turning gray or thickening, it’s time to move. Honestly, even if the "Mt Kanlaon eruption today" remains minor in terms of lava or explosions, the mudflows are a very real, very dangerous side effect that people often overlook until it’s too late.
Why This Unrest Feels Different
We’ve been dealing with Kanlaon’s mood swings since the major June 2024 event. Since then, we've seen eruptions in December 2024, April 2025, and May 2025. This isn't just a one-off event; it’s a prolonged cycle of magmatic intrusion.
Basically, the mountain is "inflated." Ground deformation data shows the edifice is still swollen. When a volcano stays inflated despite releasing gas and ash, it means there is still pressure underneath that hasn't been relieved yet.
What Residents Are Reporting
In places like La Carlota and Bago City, the "rumbling" is more than just a statistic. People are reporting Intensities ranging from I to IV. At Intensity IV, you’re looking at hanging objects swinging and floors creaking—enough to wake you up and keep you up.
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Staying Safe Amidst the Uncertainty
Living near a volcano means living with a set of rules that don't change, no matter how quiet the mountain looks.
- Respect the 4-km PDZ: The Permanent Danger Zone is a no-go. Period. No trekking, no farming, no "just checking it out."
- Aviation Safety: If you're flying in or out of the Visayas, keep an eye on flight cancellations. Ash is a jet engine's worst enemy.
- The 6-km Vigilance Zone: If you live within 6 kilometers of the summit, have a "go bag" ready. You probably won't get a polite 24-hour notice if the mountain decides to vent.
- Health First: Ashfall is brutal on the lungs, especially for kids and the elderly. If the sky starts looking gray, get those N95 masks out.
Real-Time Next Steps for Negros Residents
If you are currently in the affected area, the most important thing is to stay tuned to the PHIVOLCS Kanlaon Observatory and your local DRRMO (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office). Don't rely on "breaking news" from unverified TikTok accounts; check the official bulletins that come out every 24 hours.
If you haven't already, clear your gutters of any dry ash. If the rains from Tropical Depression Ada hit a roof weighed down by ash, the structural risk increases significantly. Also, ensure your livestock are moved away from riverbanks and low-lying areas that are prone to sediment-laden streamflows.
The mountain is currently in a state of "renewed magma intrusion." It’s a waiting game, but being prepared beats being surprised every single time.