Kanlaon Volcano Erupts, Ashfall Reaches Negros Island and Cebu

CEBU, Philippines – Ashfall blanketed parts of the Negros Island Region and Cebu on Thursday morning, July 9, after a moderate eruption was reported at the Kanlaon Volcano. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the three-minute eruption triggered a dark gray plume 2 to 3 kilometers high and spread pyroclastic density currents on Kanlaon’s southeastern slopes. “Alert Level 2 is maintained over Kanlaon Volcano and entry into the 4-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone must be strictly prohibited,” Phivolcs said on a Thursday advisory. Play Video The Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported incidents of ashfall in San Carlos City, while sulfuric odor was detected in the town of Don Salvador Benedicto, Bago City, and also in San Carlos City. The Negros Oriental PDRRMO confirmed that ashfall was seen in Canlaon City and Vallehermoso town. The Cebu PDRRMO also confirmed that ashfall was reported in Toledo City and the municipalities of Aloguinsan and Pinamungajan in midwestern Cebu. As of posting time, Phivolcs classified the volcano under Alert Level 2 or moderate unrest. Classes suspended The following areas in Negros and Cebu have suspended classes: Negros Oriental Province – Public and Private Schools, all levels San Carlos City, Negros Occidental – Public Schools, all levels Bago City, Negros Occidental – Public Schools, all levels Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental – Public and Private Schools, all levels Talisay City, Cebu – All public schools; For private schools and the Talisay City College, the suspension of classes shall be at the discretion of their respective school administrators Toledo City, Cebu – Public and Private Schools, all levels Cebu City, Cebu – Public and Private Schools, all levels Minglanilla, Cebu – All levels Naga City, Cebu – Public schools, all levels Mandaue City, Cebu – both public and private schools until further notice Cordova, Cebu – Public Schools, all levels Consolacion, Cebu – Public and Private Schools, all levels Pinamungajan, Cebu – Public and Private Schools, all levels Aloguinsan, Cebu – Public and Private Schools, all levels Asturias, Cebu – Public and Private Schools, all levels Lilo-an, Cebu – Public and Private Schools, all levels Carcar City, Cebu – Public and Private Schools, all levels (until further notice) Balamban, Cebu – Public and Private Schools, all levels Tuburan, Cebu – Public and Private Schools, all levels Barili, Cebu – Public and Private Schools, all levels (until further notice) Dumanjug, Cebu – Public and Private Schools, all levels What to do during ashfall Authorities advised residents to stay indoors as soon as ashfall is spotted in their respective communities. According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas (DENR 7), it’s recommended that individuals with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions limit outdoor activities. “Wear a facemask (preferably an N95 or KN95) when going outdoors, especially in areas experiencing ashfall or haze,” DENR 7 said. Motorists are also advised to drive with caution as ash or haze may reduce visibility and make roads slippery. Food and drinking water must also be covered to avoid ash contamination. – Rappler.com