Kanlaon ashfall reaches Cebu; Toledo suspends classes, work

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Ashfall from the moderately explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano reached parts of Cebu on Thursday morning, July 9.

This has prompted Toledo City to suspend classes and government work while authorities monitor the spread of volcanic ash across western Cebu.

The Cebu Provincial Government, through its Public Information Office, confirmed ashfall in Toledo City, Pinamungajan, and Aloguinsan hours after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that Kanlaon erupted at around 5:51 a.m. The eruption ended at approximately 7:36 a.m.

READ: Mt. Kanlaon erupts anew on July 9

Volcanic ash, carried by prevailing winds, drifted across portions of western Cebu, with authorities also monitoring reports from nearby municipalities.

In response, Toledo City Mayor Marjorie Perales ordered the suspension of classes at all levels in both public and private schools and halted work in all local government offices until further notice.

Essential and emergency government services, however, will continue operating under a skeleton workforce.

The city government also urged residents to remain indoors as much as possible and wear face masks whenever they need to go outside to minimize exposure to volcanic ash.

Ashfall can pose health risks, particularly to children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory illnesses. Fine volcanic particles may also reduce visibility on roads and affect agriculture if heavy accumulation occurs.

Moderate eruption

Phivolcs said Kanlaon produced a moderately explosive eruption that generated a towering ash plume visible from surrounding provinces, including parts of Panay Island.

The state volcanology agency has kept Kanlaon under Alert Level 2, indicating ongoing volcanic unrest and the possibility of further sudden explosive eruptions.

Authorities continue to prohibit entry into the volcano’s four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone due to the continuing threat of ballistic projectiles, rockfalls, ashfall, and other volcanic hazards.

Phivolcs said it continues to monitor the volcano’s seismic activity, sulfur dioxide emissions, and ground deformation for signs of further unrest.

Residents urged to stay vigilant

Local disaster officials in Cebu continue monitoring ashfall conditions and coordinating with barangays to determine whether additional areas have been affected.

Residents in ashfall-affected communities have been advised to stay indoors when possible, close windows and doors, cover water sources, and wear properly fitted face masks if outdoor travel becomes necessary.

Ashfall in Cebu City, classes suspended

Ashfall has also been confirmed in Cebu City, according to Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC) head Councilor Dave Tumulak.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has suspended classes at all levels in both public and private schools until further notice due to the volcanic ashfall from the recent eruption of Kanlaon Volcano.

Talisay suspends classes, too

The Talisay City Government has also suspended face-to-face classes in all public schools for the rest of the day.

In a social media post, Mayor Samsam Gullas said the suspension was implemented after consultations with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school personnel.

Students in morning classes were allowed to go home, while afternoon face-to-face classes in public schools were also suspended.

Class suspensions in private schools and Talisay City College will be left to the discretion of their respective school administrators. The city government also temporarily closed all city sports facilities until further notice and advised residents to monitor official advisories as authorities continue to assess the situation.

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