Manila:
A volcano erupted in the central Philippines on Monday, sending a huge column of ash into the sky as the government called for the evacuation of surrounding villages.
Kanlaon, more than 8,000 feet above sea level on the central island of Negros, is one of 24 active volcanoes in the Philippines.
“An explosive eruption occurred at the summit vent of Kanlaon Volcano at 3:03 PM (07:03 GMT) today,” the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said in a statement.
“All local government units are advised to evacuate the six kilometers (four miles) radius from the summit of the volcano and should be prepared for additional evacuation if activity warrants,” it added.
Video clips posted on social media by local residents showed a giant cauliflower-shaped mass of gray smoke billowing above Kanlaon's crater.
THE KANLAON VOLCANO IS OUTPUT!
Kasalukuyang is located at Bulkang Kanla, Negros Island on PHIVOLCS as of 3:06 PM. 📷: Mrs. Ching Lagawing/FB) pic.twitter.com/4aYUOUwPRg
— PIA Bureau (@PIADesk) December 9, 2024
The seismology office said the plume rose up to 3,000 meters above the vent, with red-hot ash and other material also falling on the southeastern slope.
The activity means that “a magmatic eruption has begun that could develop into further explosive eruptions,” it added.
In September, hundreds of local residents were evacuated after the volcano emitted thousands of tons of harmful gases in a single day.
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