Canlaon city: Volcanic ash and rock fragments from the moderately explosive eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on Tuesday have reached parts of Cebu province, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Phivolcs Volcano Observatory resident geologist Andylyn Quintia stated that easterly winds transported volcanic ash across Negros Island to western Cebu. “The ashfall was confirmed in the Cebu towns of Balamban, Toledo, Pinamungahan, and Aloguinsan around 9 a.m.,” Quintia reported.

A Phivolcs bulletin detailed that the eruption occurred at about 7:33 a.m. Tuesday and lasted around three minutes. It generated a dark gray ash plume that ascended two to three kilometers above the summit crater before moving eastward. Pyroclastic density currents were observed descending the volcano’s southeastern slopes, possibly within one kilometer of the summit crater, as recorded by the Upper Pantao Observation Station in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.

Canlaon City experienced significant ashfall, with residents noting the presence of small volcanic rock fragments. Quintia mentioned that areas on the western side of Mt. Kanlaon were unaffected. Canlaon City public information officer Seth Bariga indicated that rain and ashfall reduced visibility, hindering direct observation of the eruption by authorities.

The city government reported ashfall in at least 10 areas, including the barangays of Binalbagan, Malaiba, Mabigo, Pula, Lumapao, Bayog, Panubigan, Aquino, and parts of Masulog and Linothangan. Authorities noted that Masulog also experienced probable ballistic ejecta, or volcanic rock fragments expelled during the eruption.

In response to the situation, the local government has started distributing face masks to residents to minimize their exposure to volcanic ash, which poses respiratory risks. Phivolcs noted that Alert Level 2 remains in effect over Mt. Kanlaon, with entry still prohibited within the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone. Quintia mentioned that any decision to evacuate residents near the volcano would be made by the Canlaon City government.