Classes in Cebu suspended amid ashfall from Kanlaon eruption

On July 9, 2026, a moderate explosive eruption occurred at Mount Kanlaon, located on Negros Island in the central Philippines. This event led to significant ashfall affecting multiple regions, prompting widespread suspensions of classes and heightened alerts from authorities. The eruption took place at 7:33 a.m., according to reports from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The explosion lasted approximately three minutes and produced a dark gray plume rising between two to three kilometers above the ground. Pyroclastic density currents were observed along the southeastern slopes of the volcano, indicating the intensity of the eruption.

Following the eruption, several local governments in Cebu province decided to suspend classes at all levels in both public and private schools. Cities such as Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu, along with several municipalities including Minglanilla, Pinamungajan, Aloguinsan, Asturias, Consolacion, and Cordova, implemented these measures. In addition, Toledo City, which is situated directly facing Negros Island, also suspended classes and work in local government offices for the day. The city's mayor, Joie Perales, issued advisories urging vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, children, and individuals with respiratory or heart ailments to remain indoors whenever possible and to wear face masks when necessary.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival announced the suspension of classes in all public and private schools until further notice, emphasizing the need for precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of students. The Cebu City government coordinated with various agencies, including Phivolcs, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), and the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), to monitor the situation and provide updates. Residents were advised to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and follow official advisories from relevant authorities.

The Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas (EMB-7) confirmed that Mount Kanlaon remained under Alert Level 2, signifying moderate unrest following the eruption. The bureau urged the public to take precautions against volcanic ash, recommending that individuals wear N95 or KN95 respirators when outdoors, keep doors and windows closed, and limit outdoor activities, especially for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Additionally, EMB-7 emphasized the importance of protecting food and drinking water from ash contamination and being cautious while driving due to potential visibility issues and slippery road conditions.

Ashfall from the eruption was reported in various locations across Negros Island and Cebu. In Negros Oriental Province, ashfall was noted in Canlaon City and Vallehermoso town. In Negros Occidental, San Carlos City experienced ashfall, and sulfuric odors were detected in Don Salvador Benedicto, Bago City, and San Carlos City. In Cebu, ashfall was reported in Toledo City and several municipalities including Aloguinsan and Pinamungajan. Authorities in these areas also suspended classes, reflecting the widespread impact of the volcanic activity.

Residents in affected areas were advised to stay indoors and wear face masks when going outside. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas (DENR 7) highlighted the importance of limiting outdoor activities for individuals with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions. Motorists were cautioned to drive carefully due to potential reductions in visibility and slippery road conditions caused by ash or haze. Food and drinking water were recommended to be protected from ash contamination to prevent health risks.

As the situation develops, ongoing monitoring by relevant agencies and local governments will be crucial to managing the impact of the eruption and ensuring the safety of residents in affected areas.