The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on Thursday warned residents to stay out of the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone around Kanlaon Volcano after a moderately explosive eruption and amid heightened lahar threats caused by heavy rains.

In its latest bulletin issued on 9 July, PHIVOLCS said Kanlaon, which remains under Alert Level 2, erupted at 7:33 a.m.The eruption lasted about three minutes based on seismic and infrasound records.

The agency said the eruption generated a dark gray ash plume that rose 2 to 3 kilometers above the summit crater before drifting eastward.

PHIVOLCS also observed pyroclastic density currents descending the volcano's southeastern slopes, possibly reaching within one kilometer of the summit crater. The event was captured by the Upper Pantao Observation Station in Canlaon City.

The agency reiterated that entry into the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone remains strictly prohibited due to the continuing threat of sudden explosive eruptions and other volcanic hazards.

Heavy rains brought by Super Typhoon Inday and the southwest monsoon have further increased the danger, particularly the risk of lahars, or volcanic mudflows, along rivers and drainage channels surrounding the volcano.

Residents also reported hearing two loud explosions during the eruption, while windows rattled in nearby communities.

Ashfall was reported in the center of Canlaon City, while ballistic ejecta, including volcanic rocks and debris, were reported in Sitio Matagbak.

PHIVOLCS urged residents in affected communities to move to higher ground when necessary, remain indoors during ashfall, and closely monitor official advisories as volcanic activity continues.