At least 11 localities in Negros Occidental, including the highly urbanized Bacolod City, are experiencing ashfall and sulfur smell after the explosive eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Island early yesterday.
As of 4:00 p.m., the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council – Emergency Operations Center has monitored either ashfall or sulfur smell in the cities of La Carlota, Bago, San Carlos, as well as in the municipalities of La Castellana, Murcia, San Enrique, Valladolid, Pontevedra, Hinigaran, and Binalbagan.
In Bago City, 23 barangays are experiencing ashfall along with 11 others in La Carlota City.
Both ashfall and sulfur smell have been reported in nine villages in La Castellana.
“The public is advised to report any Kanlaon-related incidents to your local government unit and continue to take precautionary measures against the harmful effects of the recent eruption. Please wear your face mask at all times,” the Negros Occidental Operations Center said in an advisory.
The Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) reported that “ash particles carried by rainfall are now visible in parts of the city,” affecting at least 18 barangays.
The CDRRMO advised residents in these areas to take precautions, such as limiting outdoor exposure and using face masks or damp cloths to cover their noses and mouths.
“Report ashfall in your area,” it added.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported a moderately explosive eruption at 2:55 a.m., lasting five minutes and generating a grayish plume that rose about 4.5 kilometers above the summit crater and drifted southwest.
Audible rumbling was reported in Barangay Pula, Canlaon City and in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, it added.
The presence of incandescent pyroclastic density currents flowing down the southern slopes within two kilometers of the crater was confirmed and ballistic fragments were observed, igniting vegetation near the summit.
Alert Level 3 or magmatic unrest prevails over Kanlaon Volcano. (PNA)