Kanlaon Volcano. Photo courtesy of Phivolcs.
Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island had a moderately explosive eruption on Thursday morning, sending ashfall to parts of Cebu, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.
Phivolcs said the eruption lasted for about three minutes, beginning at 7:33 a.m. and ending at 7:36 a.m.
The agency said the eruption produced a dark gray plume that rose 2 to 3 kilometers above the crater before drifting east.
Phivolcs also observed poorly visible pyroclastic density currents that moved down the southeastern slopes, possibly within one kilometer of the summit crater.
Ashfall was reported in Toledo City and in the towns of Aloguinsan and Pinamungajan in western Cebu, which face Negros Island, as well as in other areas of Cebu.
Several local governments in Cebu, including Minglanilla, Cebu City, Toledo City and Mandaue City, suspended classes following the eruption and ashfall.
Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro ordered the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to monitor the ashfall situation and placed the Provincial Health Office and Capitol-run hospitals on heightened alert for possible health and emergency concerns.
The Cebu provincial government advised residents in affected areas to stay indoors when possible and wear face masks or protective coverings if they needed to go outside. Alert Level 2 remains in effect over Kanlaon, while Phivolcs reminded the public that entry into the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone is strictly prohibited.