This is the terrifying moment a volcano erupted, sending a huge ash cloud into the sky in central Philippines.

Kanlaon Volcano spewed a 13,000ft (4,000m) ash plume that towered over homes on Negros island today, April 8.

Video shows the massive ash tower looming over houses amid the 'explosive eruption'.

Teresito Bacolcol, director of state seismological agency PHIVOLCS, said: 'The explosion ended at 6:47 am. It lasted for almost one hour, from 5:51 am to 6:47 am.

'The ashfall, when inhaled, is dangerous. It can aggravate lung diseases because volcanic ash is made up of small rocks, minerals.'

PHIVOLCS said ashfall was detected in nearby La Carlota City, while pyroclastic density currents (PDC) - hazardous mixtures of hot volcanic gas, ash, and fragmented rock - were recorded rolling down the slopes of the volcano.

Kanlaon, which straddles Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental provinces on Negros island, is one of the 24 active volcanoes in the country.

It is currently under Alert Level 3, indicating 'increased chances for sudden and even stronger explosive eruptions'. The volcano's last explosive eruption was on December 9.

The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.