The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported a “low-energy phreatic eruption” began around 9:47 a.m., Saturday morning, at Mt. Kanlaon.

Based on reports from the agency, the event went for around 10 minutes, where the volcano emitted steam and dark ash.

Seven volcanic earthquakes were also recorded prior to the eruption.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a phreatic eruption is caused by steam-driven explosions, created by water heated by magma, lava, or new volcanic deposits.

During the event, residents of Barangay Manghanoy, La Castellana reported hearing a rumbling noise; while falling ash was reported at Sitio Guintubdan, Barangay Ara-al, La Carlota City.

Volcanologists noted, the volcano resumed a state of degassing, when gases emitted from magma exit the system, around 6:34 a.m. the subsequent morning.

They also noted, more eruptions may take place, but Phivolcs assured the public the volcano continues to be closely monitored.

Meanwhile, local government units surrounding the volcano were warned not to allow the public to enter the four-kilometer permanent danger zone.

They also released a memo to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) advising pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit.

Last month, Mt. Kanlaon was placed under ‘Alert Level 2’ status after Phivolcs recorded a total of 250 volcanic earthquakes in a 24-hour period./DGB, WDJ