Kanlaon volcano in the island of Negros erupted Tuesday morning, spewing an ash plume 4,000 meters high and pyroclastic density current moving south towards Negros Occidental.

Director Teresita Bacolcol, chief of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, said the eruption started at 5:51 a.m. and is still ongoing as of posting time.

He said the eruption was comparable to the December 9 eruption, which had a similar plume height. 

“Right now, we are maintaining Alert Level 3…Wala siyang lava na linalabas. Ang linalabas niya ay abo at steam at pyroclastic density current - mga magkakahalong abo, bato at gases na bumababa sa dalisdis ng bulkan,” he said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.

He said the explosive eruption could have been caused by blocked conduits, causing overpressurization.

The Phivolcs chief said a higher alert level may be hoisted if the volcano’s condition worsens.

La Carlota Mayor Rex Jalando-on said ash fall has affected the upland barangays of Ara-al, Yubo, San Miguel and Haguimit, prompting authorities to suspend classes. 

He urged residents to wear masks to prevent respiratory ailments caused by the ash fall.