• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A strong sulfur stench from Kanlaon Volcano was reported across upland communities of Bago City, La Carlota City and La Castellana in Negros Occidental on Monday night, Oct. 5, prompting residents to take precautions against the foul-smelling volcanic gas.
Engr. Mari-Andylene Quintia, resident volcanologist of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Kanlaon Volcano Observatory, said the sulfur odor reached several upland areas, but there was no recorded eruption activity from the volcano.
Quintia said the strong smell could have been associated with an increase in sulfur dioxide emissions from the volcano.
The odor was particularly noticeable in La Castellana, where residents in almost all barangays reported smelling sulfur.
Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head John De Asis said the intensity and duration of the smell varied depending on the community’s distance from the volcano’s crater.
Residents were advised to wear face masks and keep doors and windows closed to reduce exposure to the sulfur smell.
Quintia said rainfall and wind may also have contributed to the sulfur gas reaching communities farther from the volcano.
Based on observations during previous volcanic activity in 2024, strong degassing of sulfur dioxide could be carried downslope by rain and wind.
She also warned that continuing heavy rains around Kanlaon Volcano could increase the risk of landslides, debris flows, lahars and flash floods.
Prolonged rainfall can saturate and loosen volcanic soil, potentially triggering landslides and debris flows that move toward downslope communities and waterways, Quintia explained.
With localized thunderstorms still being experienced in parts of Negros, authorities continue to monitor both Kanlaon’s volcanic activity and rain-related hazards.
Quintia said a strong sulfur stench reaching lower-lying communities could indicate elevated sulfur dioxide levels, underscoring the need for residents to remain alert and follow advisories from Phivolcs and local disaster authorities. | GPB
