Mount Kanlaon, an active volcano in the central Philippines, erupted on Monday, sending a massive plume of ash 4 kilometers into the sky.

Authorities have raised the alert level to three, indicating an increased risk of hazardous eruptions.

Thousands of residents living near the volcano have been evacuated as a precautionary measure. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned of potential lava flows and urged the public to stay away from the danger zone.

This is the second eruption of Mount Kanlaon this year. In September, a similar eruption prompted evacuations and disrupted air travel. The volcano has a history of eruptions, with the most recent significant event occurring in 1996, which resulted in the deaths of three hikers. (ILKHA)