Kanlaon Volcano recorded a “moderately explosive” eruption on Thursday morning, July 9, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
The state volcanologists reported that the eruption occurred at the volcano’s summit crater and lasted for three minutes, beginning at 7:33 a.m. and ending at 7:36 a.m.
PHIVOLCS reported that the event generated a dark gray eruption plume that rose approximately 2 to 3 kilometers above the crater before drifting generally eastward.
“[The] event generated a dark gray eruption plume that rose 2-3 kilometers above the crater before drifting to the general east,” PHIVOLCS said.
Alert Level 2 remains in effect over Kanlaon Volcano.
PHIVOLCS continues to prohibit entry into the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone due to the possibility of sudden volcanic activity.
The eruption also caused ashfall in parts of Cebu province. The Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) confirmed ashfall in Toledo City and the municipalities of Pinamungajan and Aloguinsan.
Several local government units in Cebu suspended face-to-face classes due to the ashfall. These included Cebu City, Talisay City, Toledo City, Minglanilla, Naga City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City.
Authorities advised residents in affected areas to wear face masks and stay indoors when possible to reduce potential health risks from volcanic ash exposure.
