Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island recorded an “explosive eruption” on Tuesday morning, generating a 4-kilometer-long grayish volcanic plume that drifted in a southwestward direction.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) first reported the eruption around 5:51 AM, taking place within the volcano’s summit vent.

The eruption lasted until 6:47 AM, nearly an hour after it was first reported by state seismologists.

In addition, pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) were observed moving within the general southern edifice of the volcano.

In a televised interview, Phivolcs Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol said a light ashfall event was confirmed in La Carlota City, while the areas of Bago City and La Castellana are also forecast to experience ashfall following the southwest trajectory of the volcanic plume.

“The ashfall, once inhaled, is dangerous to health. We can experience a worsening of health because volcanic ash is composed of crushed small rocks, minerals, and volcanic glass, which could cause eye, nose, and throat irritation,” the Phivolcs director stressed.

Bacolcol clarified that although the eruption was "explosive," it was weaker than those in June and December 2024, but it lasted longer and was driven by the rapid release of gas and pressure beneath the Earth's surface.

A grassfire was also reported in the eastern upper slopes of the volcano, ignited by superheated ballistic fragments that erupted early Tuesday.

Phivolcs reported through its Eruption Bulletin that there was no observed increase in volcanic earthquakes, ground deformation, or volcanic gas parameters after the eruption, and that Alert Level 3 remains hoisted over the volcano.

A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was also issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) for flights traveling near Kanlaon Volcano.

The notice will be implemented until 5:51 AM on Wednesday, 9 April, with a vertical limitation of 22,000 feet above ground to avoid the possible dangers of volcanic ash.

Based on Phivolcs' 24-hour observation of Kanlaon Volcano, state seismologists recorded 1,655 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on Monday, 7 April, which was also accompanied by 14 volcanic earthquakes.