Kanlaon Volcano, one of the Philippines’ most active volcanic sites, erupted early Tuesday morning, unleashing a towering plume of ash approximately 4,000 meters into the sky.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the eruption began at 5:51 a.m. local time from the volcano’s summit vent, raising fresh concerns for communities on Negros Island in the central Philippines.

PHIVOLCS described the eruption as producing a "voluminous bent plume" drifting southwest, with dramatic social media footage showing a massive cloud of ash and smoke dominating the skyline, visible from miles away. The volcano remains at Alert Level 3, signaling a heightened risk of a hazardous eruption, though the alert status has not shifted since December’s eruption, which displaced residents in nearby villages.

Authorities have reinforced evacuation orders for communities within the 4-kilometer permanent danger zone surrounding Kanlaon, while schools in the area were advised to suspend classes as a precautionary measure. The volcano, one of 24 active volcanoes in the Philippines, has a history of unrest, including an episode in September when it released thousands of tonnes of volcanic gas, prompting the evacuation of hundreds.

PHIVOLCS and local officials are maintaining close surveillance of the situation, urging residents to stay vigilant and comply with safety directives as the threat of further volcanic activity looms. (ILKHA)