BACOLOD City — Kanlaon Volcano generated a moderately explosive eruption on October 10, followed by two ash emission events early Sunday, October 11, prompting reports of ashfall and sulfur smell in several communities in Negros Occidental.
The Office of Civil Defense-Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) has delivered 5,040 face masks to Don Salvador Benedicto to help protect residents from exposure to volcanic ash.
The masks, packed in 21 boxes, were turned over to the municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) to support communities affected by ashfall, according to OCD-NIR.
Regional Director Donato A. Sermeno III led the agency’s assistance efforts as ashfall was reported in Barangays Igmayaan, Bunga, Bacong, Kumaliskis, Bago, Pandanon and the town proper.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the eruption occurred at around 12:46 p.m. on Saturday, producing an ash plume that rose five to six kilometers above the summit crater before drifting north-northeast. The event lasted approximately two minutes.
Two subsequent ash emissions were recorded at 1:28 a.m. and 5:15 a.m. on Sunday, generating plumes that rose about 400 meters and 600 meters above the summit crater, respectively.
Light ashfall and sulfur smell were also reported in Sitio Guintubdan, La Carlota City, while sulfur smell was observed in the upper portion of Barangay Cod-cod in San Carlos City.
The distribution of face masks aims to minimize residents’ exposure to airborne volcanic ash, which can irritate the eyes and respiratory system.
OCD-NIR said it continues to monitor the volcano’s activity and coordinate with local government units and partner agencies to assess conditions in affected communities and provide appropriate assistance.
Alert Level 2 remains in effect over Kanlaon Volcano, indicating continued volcanic unrest.
Authorities reiterated the prohibition on entry into the volcano’s four-kilometer permanent danger zone and urged residents to follow official advisories.
Residents in ashfall-affected areas were also advised to wear properly fitted protective masks, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during ash emissions, and keep doors and windows closed when ashfall occurs.
The public was reminded to obtain updates from PHIVOLCS and other official government sources as monitoring and response efforts continue./PN
