Philippines' Mount Kanlaon Earthquake: FAQs, News and How to Help
A volcanic eruption in the Philippines has forced at least 684 schools to close, affecting about 385,000 [1] students, with nine schools converted into evacuation centers, Save the Children said.
Following the eruption on Monday, Mount Kanlaon volcano on Negros Island in central Philippines is on Alert Level 2, the highest level since the eruption, which indicates an increase in volcanic activity. [2]
Images on social media showed an ash cloud shooting into sky and homes covered in volcanic ash, with at least 43 earthquakes recorded since Monday’s explosion which lasted 6 minutes. [3]
The Philippines is no stranger to volcanic activity and sits in the Pacific "Ring of Fire," where volcanic activity and earthquakes are common.
Learn more about our work in the Philippines, including our history of responding to volcanic eruptions, and how to help children and families around the world who have been impacted by emergencies.
When did the Mount Kanlaon eruption occur?
The explosive eruption occurred on Monday, June 3, 2024.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Mount Kanlaon erupted for six minutes on Monday evening, causing a "strong earthquake."
How has the Mount Kanlaon volcano eruption impacted children in the Philippines?
The volcanic eruption in the Philippines has forced at least 684 schools to close, affecting about 385,000 students, with nine schools converted into evacuation centers.
Faisah Ali, Humanitarian Manager of Save the Children Philippines, said: “This eruption has halted education in at least 684 schools and hundreds of thousands of children have been affected by the Mount Kanlaon eruption. Experts have warned that volcanic activity may continue. We urge everyone to follow safety guidance issued by the authorities and Save the Children Philippines stands ready to assist those affected.”
What is Save the Children's history of responding to volcano eruptions in the Philippines?
Save the Children’s humanitarian teams provided displaced families with temporary shelters and other essentials following the eruption of the Taal Volcano in the Philippines in 2021.
Save the Children has been working in the Philippines since 1981 with programs in humanitarian response, health and nutrition, education, and children's rights and protection.
How is Save the Children responding to the Mount Kanlaon volcano eruption?
Save the Children Philippines has notified its Emergency Response Team and local partners who are on standby to deploy to the affected area. Masks and other items are also ready to be dispatched from nearby warehouses.
How can I help children impacted by the volcano eruption?
Children have the right to be protected from all forms of harm and to continue learning when emergencies strike, such as the latest eruption. Your donation to the Children's Emergency Fund helps our teams provide ongoing support in the face of crisis.
