Volcano Alert Issued as Explosive Eruption Disturbs Residents of the Philippines

The alert level has been raised for a volcano in the Philippines after it released an "explosive eruption" that sent ash and steam clouds soaring 5 kilometers into the sky, according to the volcano science agency. The Kanlaon volcano on Negros Island erupted on Monday evening, prompting instructions for nearby residents to wear masks to protect against ash. Ethan Asentista Kho, 35, from his home in the municipality of Bula, about 6 kilometers from the volcano, said, "When the volcano erupted, we heard a sound similar to thunder." He added, "It was like a fire breaking out at the crater that lasted for about a minute or two." The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology stated that "the eruption... produced a massive cloud that rapidly rose to 5000 meters," raising the alert level from one to two on a scale of five. The institute also reported the possibility of ash flows, rock, and gas, known as volcanic flows, occurring on the volcano's slopes. Joe Alingasa, a relief officer from the municipality of San Carlos, said authorities decided to evacuate about 500 families living near the volcano "as quickly as possible."