Mt Kanloan explodes shooting ash plume miles into the sky as Brits given travel warning

The Foreign Office has issued updated travel advice after a highly active volcano exploded, sending an ash plume miles into the sky.

Mount Kanlaon is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, and after a recent eruption it is currently listed as being at an alert level 3. It comes after an eruption released an ash plume that reached 4km, around 2.5 miles, into the sky. No casualties have been reported so far, but those nearby have been warned to take extra precuations. In the wake of the eruption, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office has shared important information for Brits.

The Philippines is home to numerous volcanoes, which can erupt without warning with sudden steam and ash explosions capable of happening at any time. The Foreign Office has warned Brits to make sure that they're checking news reports before travelling.

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In the latest advice, the Foreign Office had advised Brits to follow local advice before travelling to any areas around volcanoes. The ministry has warned people to avoid volcanic areas during and immediately after heavy rainfall when there's an increased risk of lava flows. Experts have reported between two and 23 daily volcanic earthquakes in the vicinity of Mount Kanlaon.

Currently, entry into Taal Volcano Island and Taal's Permanent Danger Zone is prohibited. People are also being warned that ash plumes can affect air quality and have an impact on health, reports. Anyone with pre-existing respiratory conditions are warned that there is an increased risk of triggering or worsening symptoms. Those with pre-existing conditions are advised that a properly fitted face mask may provide some protection.

The Foreign Offices advises that for more information about volcanic activity in the Philippines, people should also refer to the , which currently says: "It is recommended that communities within a 6-km radius of the summit crater remain evacuated due to the danger of potential pyroclastic density currents or PDCs, ballistic projectiles, rockfalls, ashfall and other related hazards that could be posed by similar explosive eruptions.

"Local government units must also prepare their communities within the PDC hazard zone for subsequent evacuation in case unrest further escalates and hazardous worst-case explosive eruption becomes imminent. Increased vigilance must be exercised should intense rains occur since loose ash or pyroclastic material have been deposited in the upper slopes and could easily be eroded to generate lahars and sediment-laden stream flows in channels draining the southern and western portions of the edifice. Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from any sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft."

Discussing the current outlook, they add: "No pronounced increases in volcanic earthquake, ground deformation or volcanic gas parameters have followed the eruption as of present. Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest) therefore remains over Kanlaon Volcano. This means that this morning’s explosive eruption may be followed by similar short-lived explosive eruptions in the short term or even progress to lava eruptions that generate lava flows and lava fountaining activity."

The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that 366 officers have been deployed to help with evacuations amid the latest volcanic unrest. Spokesperson Central Luzon Police Chief Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said 90 of these officers are watching over evacuation hubs that have been set up in La Castellana, La Carlota, Bago and Canlaon City giving shelter to 9,275 evacuees.

The rest of the cops are helping with pre-emptive evacutation efforts headed up by local government units (LGUs) and disaster response bodies in the affected areas. Speaking to reporters in Camp Crame, the police chief said: "Per the coordination of the PNP with the LGUs and in response to the recommendations of experts, as much as possible, nobody will be allowed to enter the permanent danger zone to prevent any untoward incidents."

She added that police officers are also keeping a close eye on areas left by impacted residents in an effort to prevent looting. She added that there are also site inspections being carried out and coordination efforts are being strengthened to make sure evacuees receive all the support they need, including access to water and essential resources.

Mount Kanlaon is one of 24 active volcanoes in the Philippines. It last erupted in December 2024, forcing people living in surrounding villages to relocate for their safety. The volcano began erupting on June 3, 2024, when an explosive eruption spewed ash over parts of Bago, La Carlota, La Castellana and Canlaon.