Multitudes of individuals seek refuge in emergency shelters due to a volcanic explosion in the Philippines.
Thousands of people are forced to leave their homes due to a recent volcanic eruption in the Philippines. The Kanlaon volcano erupted on the island of Negros for six continuous minutes, spewing a five-kilometer high column of ash, gases, and rock fragments into the sky. This prompted authorities to temporarily house at least 2800 people in shelters.
While falling ash and toxic gases pose a threat, the main worry is the potential flow of volcanic rocks from Kanlaon. These flows of mud and rock fragments could potentially flood inhabited areas.
To ensure safety, the city of Canlaon advised residents living near rivers below the volcano to evacuate their homes. Non-essential businesses were also asked to close, and flights to and from Bacolod were canceled. The only major airport in the area is the one located in the provincial capital of Negros Occidental.
The Philippines, situated along the "Pacific Ring of Fire" where tectonic plates collide, are known for their frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. There are currently 24 active volcanoes in the country. The eruption of Pinatubo in 1991 remains one of the most severe in recent history, claiming over 800 lives.
