Philippine volcano eruption forces evacuations as ash blankets villages

Mount Kanlaon in the Philippines erupted on Monday, sending a plume of hot ash and gases up to three kilometers high. Residents were forced to evacuate as ash blanketed several villages, prompting school closures and a nighttime curfew. Authorities raised the danger level around the volcano and ordered evacuations within a six-kilometer radius. About 100 people sought shelter by nightfall, with estimates suggesting over 2,000 may need to evacuate due to the risk of further eruptions. The eruption created a pyroclastic density current, which poses significant hazards. The alert level is currently at three on a five-step scale, indicating a potential for more explosive activity.