Mount Kanlaon, located on Negros Island in the Philippines, erupted on December 9, 2024, releasing massive ash plume and pyroclastic density currents. The eruption lasted nearly four minutes and prompted authorities to evacuate about 87,000 residents from villages within a 6-kilometer danger zone. Volcanic ash spread over 200 kilometers, reaching Antique Province, and caused visibility and health hazards. Experts at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the alert level to three, indicating a heightened risk of further eruptions. This event disrupted air travel, leading to six flight cancellations and two diversions. Local officials took precautionary steps, such as imposing curfews, suspending classes, and setting up evacuation centers for affected residents.

Government scientists theorized that the eruption was caused by either older volcanic material being released or fresh magma ascending beneath the volcano. Pyroclastic density currents, known for their destructive power, underscored the seriousness of the event. Authorities have been closely monitoring air quality for hazardous volcanic gases, which may necessitate further evacuations. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured that emergency resources, including food, face masks, and hygiene kits, were being delivered efficiently. Mount Kanlaon, one of 24 active volcanoes in the Philippines, is situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making it highly susceptible to volcanic activity. The eruption emphasized the critical need for vigilance and disaster preparedness in a region frequently impacted by natural disasters.