• CHERYL G. CRUZ
An explosive eruption occurred at the summit vent of Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island at 6:51 p.m. June 3, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said as it raised the alert to Level 2, as of 8 p.m.
Alert Level 2, or increasing unrest, means that “there is current unrest driven by shallow magmatic processes that could eventually lead to further explosive eruptions or even precede hazardous magmatic eruption,” the DOST-Phivolcs said in its advisory.
It added that the 6:51 p.m. eruption lasted for six minutes and “produced a voluminous and incandescent plume that rapidly rose to 5,000 meters above the vent, and probable short pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) approximately two to three kilometers down the southern and southeastern slopes…”
Mayor Jose Cardenas of Canlaon City in Negros Oriental reportedly ordered the evacuation of four barangays within the danger zone following the eruption, and has mobilized all resources, the Philippine News Agency said, adding the official also confirmed ashfall in the mountain city.
In San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, Mayor Renato Gustilo called for the mandatory use of face masks.
“We urge all residents to take precautionary measures to protect your health and well-being. As a safety protocol, it is now mandatory for all individuals to wear face masks whenever venturing outside,” the city said in an advisory at 8:47 p.m.
The ash emitted from the volcanic eruption can pose serious health risks, particularly to the respiratory system, as inhaling volcanic ash particles can irritate the lungs, throat, and eyes, leading to respiratory issues and other health complications. “By wearing face masks, you can significantly reduce your exposure to these harmful particles and safeguard your health.”
Reports said several areas in Bago, Pontevedra, San Carlos City, La Carlota, and La Castellana, all in Negros Occidental, are experiencing ashfalls, as of press time, even as the provincial governments of Occidental and Oriental Negros have asked residents to stay calm but vigilant, and to immediately heed precautionary protocols from authorities.
The Phivolcs said that Kanlaon has been exhibiting “background earthquake activity for the past month and has been degassing relatively anomalous SO2 that has averaged approximately 1,273 tonnes/day for the year.” | CGC
