Ashfall affected 11 local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental as of 10pm on Thursday, February 26, following the “moderately explosive” eruption of Kanlaon Volcano, according to data from the Negros Occidental Command Center.
Authorities recorded ashfall incidents in Bago City, Binalbagan, La Carlota, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Hinigaran, Isabela, San Carlos, Himamaylan, Pontevedra, and Kabankalan.
DOST-Phivolcs reported that the volcano erupted at 7:04pm and sustained activity for two minutes based on seismic and infrasound records. The eruption generated a plume that rose approximately 2,500 meters above the crater before drifting southwest.
It also produced incandescent ballistics around the crater and pyroclastic density currents that descended the eastern and southeastern upper slopes within two kilometers of the summit. After the explosive event, the volcano emitted continuous ash, which persisted for almost an hour.
Phivolcs said it will assess monitoring parameters within the next 24 hours to determine whether it needs to adjust the current alert level.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health – Negros Island Region Center for Health Development urged residents in affected areas to take precautions against ashfall.
Health officials advised the public to wear an N95 mask or use a damp cloth to filter fine ash particles that may irritate the nose, throat, and lungs; avoid entering the Permanent Danger Zone due to higher concentrations of hazardous ash and gases; close doors and windows and seal openings with damp cloth to prevent ash from entering homes; stay hydrated to reduce throat and lung irritation; and monitor official advisories from PHIVOLCS and concerned LGUs.
The DOH-NIR CHD Operations Center remains available for health emergencies at 0968 697 2072 (SMART) and 0966 763 1144 (GLOBE) as authorities continue coordinating with LGUs and validating field reports.*
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.