A moderately explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Thursday afternoon, February 19, blanketed parts of Negros Occidental with ash and sulfuric odor, prompting several local government units (LGUs) to activate emergency response measures to protect residents.
Office of Civil Defense – Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) said that the volcano erupted from 4:39pm to 4:41pm and emitted continuous ash from 4:45pm until 5:25pm, with a grayish plume rising up to 2 kilometers above the crater.
OCD-NIR also reported that a shockwave was felt in the municipalities of La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Pontevedra, San Enrique, and Hinigaran.
Light to moderate ashfall was recorded in several barangays in Pontevedra. Light ashfall affected Barangays Zamora, Gomez, Mabini, Burgos, Rizal, and Canroma, while Barangays Antipolo and Cambarus experienced moderate ashfall.
In La Carlota, sulfuric odor and ashfall were reported in Barangays Ara-al, Cubay, Nagasi, San Miguel, and La Granja.
Barangay Sag-ang in La Castellana also reported sulfuric smell.
In Hinigaran, Barangays Miranda, Gargato, 1, 2, 3, 4, Anahaw, and Cambaog experienced sulfuric odor, with light ashfall observed in parts of the town.
Meanwhile, Bago reported ashfall and sulfuric odor in Barangays Ilijan, Mailum, and Binubuhan.
Following the eruption, affected LGUs immediately rolled out response measures.
In San Carlos City, the Emergency Response Team (ERT) was deployed to Barangay Codcod, and face masks were distributed to residents who may be affected by ashfall.
In Canlaon, the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (BDRRM) offices positioned rescue vehicles at designated pick-up points in Barangays Pula and Masulog. Rescue units were also placed on standby in 10 staging areas to ensure readiness for any emergency.
La Carlota City’s DRRM Council convened an emergency meeting and conducted a Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) to assess conditions on the ground. The city government also suspended classes until further notice as a preventive measure.
In La Castellana, the DRRM Council likewise called an emergency meeting as part of heightened monitoring and preparedness efforts.
Authorities in Pontevedra activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), deployed response teams, and distributed face masks and goggles to residents. Monitoring continues in at least 20 barangays.
OCD-NIR said it is closely coordinating with affected LGUs for real-time situation updates and has conducted an inventory of available assets and pre-positioned non-food items to ensure immediate assistance if needed.
Residents in affected areas are advised to stay alert, monitor official advisories, and wear face masks to minimize exposure to volcanic ash.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.