By Brian Campued
The Department of Health (DOH) Negros Island Region (NIR) warned residents about the threats of ashfall, lahar, and other substances from Kanlaon Volcano that may cause irritation and respiratory problems.
The “moderately explosive” eruption occurred at the summit crater of Kanlaon Volcano around 8:05 p.m. on Friday and lasted for three minutes based on seismic and visual recordings of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
The eruption generated a plume reaching 2,000 meters above the crater that drifted northwest as well as spewed large ballistic fragments around the vent within a few hundred meters.
Phivolcs said the ashfall reached several barangays in Bago City, La Carlota City, and Pontevedra in Negros Occidental, as well as in La Castellana and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.
“Incandescent pyroclastic density currents or PDCs descended the southern slopes in the jurisdiction of La Castellana, Negros Occidental within a kilometer of the crater,” the agency said in its eruption bulletin issued Saturday.
The DOH-NIR advised affected residents to close doors and windows of their homes and cover any gaps using wet clothes or curtains to prevent entry of ash or gases; wear appropriate face masks or use a wet cloth to cover nose and mouth to avoid inhalation; wear eye protection such as safety goggles, if available; and ensure that food and water are safe from ash.
The agency said it would continue coordinating with the local government units for the deployment of medical personnel and distribution of medical supplies, such as N95 face masks.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), for its part, said that it is ready to provide support for those affected by the Kanlaon eruption, especially if there would be internally displaced persons or families.
Canlaon City Mayor Jose Chubasco “Batchuk” Cardenas, meanwhile, said the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDDRMO), together with other government agencies, has begun prepositioning resources, vehicles, and responders to ensure quick response when evacuation or emergency support is needed.
“We understand the fear that comes with seeing the volcano erupt again. But please remain calm, stay updated only through official sources, and be ready with your emergency go-bags. We are on top of the situation,” the local chief executive said in a statement.
Phivolcs likewise reminded communities within the permanent danger zone to stay away from the area due to threats of PDCs, ballistic projectiles, rockfalls, and volcanic gas. Residents were also reminded that heavy rains could generate lahars or sediment-laden streamflows.
Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 2 (moderate level of unrest) as of Saturday morning.
-jpv
