MANILA (AFP) – A volcano erupted in the central Philippines yesterday, sending a huge ash column into the sky as the government called for the evacuation of surrounding villages.
Rising more than 2,400 metres above sea level on the central island of Negros, Kanlaon is one of 24 active volcanoes in the Philippines.
“An explosive eruption occurred at the summit vent of Kanlaon Volcano at 3.03pm today,” the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.
“All local government units are advised to evacuate the six-kilometre radius from the summit of the volcano and must be prepared for additional evacuation if activity warrants,” it added.
Video clips posted by nearby residents on social media showed a giant cauliflower-shaped grey mass of smoke billowing above Kanlaon’s crater.
