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Philippines’ Kanlaon volcano erupts, spewing ash 5km high and sparking evacuation

  • The explosive eruption prompted the suspension of work and schools in Canlaon City, while three airlines cancelled 32 flights on Tuesday
  • Officials warned of hazardous ash and the risk of flash floods, mudflows and other hazards. Kanlaon last erupted in December 2017

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Villagers living near Mount Kanlaon evacuate late on Monday following the eruption. Photo: Canlaon City Local Government Unit-Public Information Office/Handout via EPA-EFE
Philippine authorities ordered the evacuation of residents living near a volcano in central Philippines on Tuesday following an eruption that sent a 5km (3 miles) high ash cloud into the sky.
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Government officials warned of the possibility of further eruptions of Kanlaon volcano, hazardous ash fall and sulphuric odour. They also warned that rivers downstream from the volcano were at risk of flash floods, mudflows and other hazards.

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Philippines’ Kanlaon volcano erupts, spewing ash 5km high and sparking evacuation

Philippines’ Kanlaon volcano erupts, spewing ash 5km high and sparking evacuation

“Go down to your respective evacuation centres, be vigilant, and prepare important things such as water and food,” Jose Chubasco Cardenas, mayor of Canlaon City in Negros Oriental province, said in issuing the evacuation order via Facebook for residents in four communities near the volcano.

In the nearby Negros Occidental province, more than 700 people were taking shelter in evacuation centres, governor Jose Lacson told DWPM radio station.

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“We advise them to stay there, and for those not yet in evacuation centres, I hope they can reconsider.”

Kanlaon volcano spews a large plume of ash during an eruption on Monday night as seen from La Castellana town in the central Philippines’ Negros Occidental province. Photo: Dollet Demaflies/Handout via AFP
Kanlaon volcano spews a large plume of ash during an eruption on Monday night as seen from La Castellana town in the central Philippines’ Negros Occidental province. Photo: Dollet Demaflies/Handout via AFP
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