This is the terrifying moment Kanlaon Volcano erupted with 4km high ash plume in the Philippines.

CCTV footage shows the tower of dust and debris looming over houses amid the 'explosive eruption' on Negros Island on April 8.

Teresito Bacolcol, director of the 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 and 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.

Communities within 6km of the crater are urged to remain evacuated due to the ongoing risk of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), ashfall, and rockfalls.

Local authorities have been advised to prepare for potentially worse scenarios, including lahars, should heavy rainfall occur.

Civil aviation authorities have reportedly warned pilots to avoid the summit area due to ash hazards.

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.