• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Some barangays across Negros Island were affected with a pungent stench and layers of fine debris after Kanlaon Volcano triggered a moderately explosive eruption, which lasted for two minutes, shooting a massive plume high into the atmosphere.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that the sudden explosion noon of Oct. 10 generated a towering volcanic cloud that surged five to six kilometers above the summit crater before drifting toward the north-northeast.
Initial reports received by the Office of Civil Defense-Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) indicated that Bago City residents reported hearing heavy booming sounds and feeling ground shaking alongside a visible volcanic cloud.
However, the OCD-NIR confirmed that no evacuations were triggered by the event, noting that local disaster response units were already on standby.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported light ashfall and sulfur smell in Sitio Guintubdan, Barangay Ara-al, La Carlota City, as well as in the villages of Bunga, Bacong, Igmayaan, Kumaliskis, Bago, Pandanon and town proper of Don Salvador Benedicto.
OCD-NIR also reported sulfur odor in the upper portion of Barangay Codcod in San Carlos City.
OCD-NIR Regional Director Donato Sermeno said that 5,040 face masks were delivered to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Don Salvador Benedicto.
The Kanlaon Volcano moderately explosive eruption was followed by two ash emission events on Sunday, Oct. 11, generating a grayish plume that rose as much as 600 meters above the summit crater before drifting west direction.
Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 2, signaling an elevated level of unrest.
Strict prohibitions remain in place against entering the four-kilometer permanent danger zone.
Disaster management officials have issued warnings to neighboring regions to stay on guard as shifting prevailing winds could direct further ash emissions and volcanic gas toward their territories.
Local government units and health agencies strongly advise affected residents to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and wear protective face masks to minimize respiratory complications from sulfur fumes and fine ash particles.
Sermeno also warned communities in neighboring Central Visayas to stay vigilant as shifting prevailing winds could drive volcanic emissions and ashfall toward their area. | GPB
