All classes at public and private schools across Albay province were suspended starting Friday afternoon, Oct. 30, following the explosive eruption of Mayon Volcano, Gov. Noel Rosal announced.

The suspension will remain in effect until further notice as authorities monitor the volcano's activity.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised Mayon's alert status from Level 2 to Level 3 after a moderately explosive eruption at 11:53 a.m. Friday sent an ash plume 3,000 meters above the volcano's summit.

Alert Level 3 indicates increased volcanic unrest and a higher likelihood of a hazardous eruption, prompting authorities to heighten precautions in communities surrounding the volcano.