Watch | ‘Cold lava’ rivers flow in Philippines after Mount Canlaon eruption

The eruption propelled a plume of ash several kilometres into the sky, leading to the cancellation of dozens of flights and the evacuation of hundreds of people.

The grey lava, seen flowing through streets, was captured by locals on their phones. (Representational/Wikimedia Commons)

A footage released by BBC showed cold lava gushing out on to the streets and rivers downstream following an eruption at Mount Canlaon in Philippines. The grey lava, seen flowing through streets, was captured by locals on their phones.

The eruption propelled a plume of ash several kilometres into the sky, leading to the cancellation of dozens of flights and the evacuation of hundreds of people, as reported by BBC.

The six-minute event on Monday triggered a strong earthquake and resulted in the suspension of work and schools in the nearby Canlaon City, according to The Guardian. Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas urged residents to proceed to designated evacuation centres, remain vigilant, and gather essential supplies such as water and food.

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Government officials on Tuesday warned of the possibility of further eruptions, including hazardous ash fall and sulphuric odour. They added that rivers downstream were at risk of flash floods, mudflows and other hazards, as per The Guardian.

‘Cold lava’ floods Philippines village after eruption https://t.co/KcTTfTUDxM

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) June 6, 2024

What is cold lava?

Cold lava refers to a cooled mixture of volcanic material and pebbles. This can also include smooth, glassy textures or rough and jagged textures.

It flows akin to wet concrete, capable of travelling swiftly.

Also Read: | Devastating flash floods, cold lava flow claim several lives in Indonesia’s Sumatra Island

How harmful is cold lava?

Cold lava can travel considerable distances from a volcano’s summit, accumulating additional debris and sediment as it moves rapidly expanding in volume and destructive potential.

According to the United States Geological Survey, it has the capability to crush and bury objects in its path, potentially proving more destructive than conventional lava flows.

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