Kanlaon eruption sends ashfall to Cebu, prompts class suspensions

MANILA, Philippines — Several local governments in Cebu suspended classes Thursday after ashfall from Kanlaon Volcano's morning eruption reportedly reached parts of the province.

Kanlaon had a moderately explosive eruption at 7:33 a.m. Thursday, July 9, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

The eruption lasted three minutes and generated a dark gray plume that rose 2 to 3 kilometers above the crater, Phivolcs said.

Phivolcs maintained Alert Level 2 over Kanlaon, which means there is increased unrest. Entry into the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone remains prohibited.

Ashfall reaches Cebu. According to local reports from The Freeman, ashfall had reached several parts of Cebu, prompting the Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas to intensify air quality monitoring.

The Philippine Red Cross also activated its disaster monitoring and emergency response network and said it remained on high alert following the eruption.

Class, work suspensions

As of 11:20 a.m., the following Cebu local governments had announced class suspensions:

• Cordova: public schools, all levels
• Talisay City: public schools, all levels
• Cebu City: public and private schools, all levels
• Consolacion: public and private schools, all levels
• Toledo City: public and private schools, all levels
• Pinamungajan: public and private schools, all levels
• Mandaue City: public and private schools, all levels
• Aloguinsan: public and private schools, all levels
• Asturias: public and private schools, all levels
• Lapu-Lapu City: public and private schools, all levels
• Liloan: public and private schools, all levels
• Minglanilla: public and private schools, all levels
• Balamban: public and private schools, all levels
• Naga: public schools, all levels

Earlier, San Carlos City in Negros Occidental suspended work in all local and national government offices and shifted classes at all levels to alternative mode.

Phivolcs has reminded the public to stay out of the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone because of the danger of sudden explosive eruptions and other volcanic hazards.