The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the incident occurred before nightfall on Saturday when accumulated lava on the volcano’s southwestern slope gave way, sending an avalanche of hot rocks, ash and gas downslope.

The agency’s director, Teresito Bacolcol, said the volcano has been exhibiting mild eruptive activity intermittently since January but emphasized that no explosive eruption had taken place.Authorities reported no casualties, though ash clouds spread across 87 villages in three towns, reducing visibility to near zero in some areas and disrupting road movement.

Caloy Baldo, mayor of Camalig, said residents were caught off guard by the density of the ashfall, which he described as severe enough to halt traffic along national roads.Local officials said agricultural losses were reported, particularly in vegetable farms, while livestock deaths included four water buffaloes and one cow.

Cleanup operations were underway in affected communities, including Camalig, which has a population of about 8,000 people.The volcano, rising 2,462 meters and known for its near-symmetrical cone, is among the Philippines’ most active and closely monitored.

Authorities had raised its alert status to Level 3 in January, indicating heightened unrest with potential for hazardous eruptions, including rockfalls and pyroclastic flows.Bacolcol said conditions had stabilized as of Monday but warned that the threat of further activity remained, noting that the volcano’s behavior continues to require close monitoring under the current alert level.

The United States Geological Survey said the offshore quake was followed by aftershocks reaching magnitudes of up to 5. Indonesia’s meteorology agency reported small tsunami waves of 0.3 meters in West Halmahera and 0.2 meters in Bitung.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a regional tsunami alert but lifted it about two hours later, stating that the threat had passed based on available data.Local broadcaster Metro TV reported that one person died after being struck by falling rubble in Manado, in North Sulawesi province.

Indonesian officials confirmed the casualty, saying the victim was buried under debris from a collapsed building. One additional person suffered a leg injury.Residents described scenes of panic as the quake struck, with people fleeing their homes. A Manado resident said the shaking lasted for a prolonged period, causing items to fall from shelves and cutting power in some areas, though no major structural damage was visible in her neighborhood.

Authorities reported damage to several buildings in North Sulawesi, though the full extent remained unclear. Regional officials in areas including Ternate and Tidore urged residents to prepare for possible evacuations in the immediate aftermath.

Tsunami warning agencies had cautioned that hazardous waves were possible along coastlines within 1,000 km of the epicenter, including parts of Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia.

Subsequent assessments by authorities in both countries indicated no significant threat to their territories.Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 280 million people, lies along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plate interactions frequently trigger earthquakes and volcanic activity.

In recent history, the country has experienced some of the world’s deadliest seismic disasters, including the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami that killed more than 230,000 people across multiple countries, and a 2018 quake and tsunami in Sulawesi that claimed over 4,300 lives.

Communities, airlines, and authorities respond swiftly to seasonal weather challenge

Winter weather swept across the U.S. Northeast over the weekend, bringing snow, ice, and a familiar reminder of the region’s seasonal resilience as communities and transport systems adjusted efficiently to changing conditions. While thousands of flights were delayed or canceled, the response highlighted strong coordination between weather agencies, state authorities, and airlines focused on safety and recovery.

From New York to New Jersey and parts of Connecticut, snowfall transformed cityscapes and suburban roads, creating a striking winter scene while prompting precautionary measures designed to protect residents and travelers alike. Emergency declarations were issued early, allowing public agencies to mobilize resources quickly and keep communities informed.

State officials emphasized caution as snow accumulated across major population centers, with several inches recorded overnight in urban areas and higher totals in surrounding regions. Road advisories and travel alerts helped reduce risks, while public messaging encouraged residents to delay non-essential travel until conditions improved.

Meteorologists noted that the storm’s most intense snowfall passed by mid-morning, offering reassurance that disruption would be temporary. Forecasts pointed to tapering flurries and improving conditions as the day progressed, underscoring the predictability and improved monitoring of modern winter weather systems.

Air travel experienced the most visible impact, with delays and cancellations concentrated at major hubs serving the New York metropolitan area. Airports implemented winter operations plans, including runway clearing and adjusted departure schedules, ensuring safety remained the top priority during peak post-holiday travel.

Airlines worked proactively to minimize passenger inconvenience, waiving change fees and offering flexible rebooking options for travelers affected by the storm. These measures reflected industry lessons learned over years of managing winter disruptions and demonstrated a customer-focused approach during challenging conditions.

Despite the temporary setbacks, aviation analysts noted that such weather-related interruptions are a known aspect of Northeast winters and are increasingly met with improved communication tools and operational planning. Travelers were kept informed through digital alerts and airport updates, helping reduce uncertainty.

Local governments also played a key role, deploying snowplows, road treatment crews, and emergency personnel to maintain essential services. Urban centers and smaller communities alike benefited from coordinated planning that allowed for rapid response without major long-term disruption.

Public safety messaging emphasized preparedness rather than alarm, reinforcing trust in institutions responsible for managing seasonal weather events. Officials reminded residents that winter storms, while disruptive, are manageable with early warnings and collective caution.

As travel resumed and skies gradually cleared, the storm served as a reminder of the Northeast’s ability to adapt to winter challenges through experience, infrastructure investment, and cooperation across sectors. The region’s response highlighted resilience, planning, and a shared commitment to safety during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.