What is the name and location of the volcano?
As of February 20, 2026, Mount Kanlaon experienced a moderately explosive eruption that sent ash and gas over Negros Island, prompting heightened monitoring and public safety advisories.
The volcano, located on Negros Island in the central Philippines, spans the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental and sits near key landmarks such as the Kanlaon Natural Park (1).
As one of the highest peaks in the Visayas, it is surrounded by several towns and cities situated along its slopes, all within proximity to the four kilometer permanent danger zone maintained for public safety (2).
Which cities or areas are affected by the volcano?
- Barangay Ma-ao
- Canlaon City
- Guimaras
- La Castellana
- Negros Occidental
- Negros Oriental
- Panay
What is the current containment status of the volcano?
As of February 20, 2026, volcanic activity at Mount Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 2, indicating moderate unrest and the possibility of sudden hazardous eruptions.
The volcano is not considered contained, as seismic activity, gas emissions, ground deformation, and intermittent ash plumes continue to be recorded. Authorities maintain close monitoring but note that the volcano remains restless, with no stabilization reported in ongoing assessments (3).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Evacuation alerts remain active around the four kilometer permanent danger zone, where entry is strictly prohibited.
Residents in high risk areas, particularly in Canlaon City and La Castellana, have been relocated to evacuation centers following the recent eruptive events (4).
Authorities have issued safety advisories for ashfall, air quality, and potential pyroclastic activity, with local government units instructed to prepare for further evacuations if activity intensifies (5).
How can I protect myself from volcanic smoke?
Always plan ahead to protect yourself from a volcanic eruption.
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter volcanic smoke.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
