By CESAR JOLITO III
Kanlaon Volcano’s moderate explosive eruption early Sunday evening, March 15, sent ashfall and sulfuric fumes across Negros Island, affecting 90 barangays and prompting class suspensions in seven local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental.
Kanlaon erupted at 6:07 p.m., generating a five-kilometer-high eruption column drifting southeast and northeast, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
This is the third eruption this year, following similar activity on February 19 and 26.
Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 2, indicating moderate unrest and the continued possibility of sudden eruptions.
To protect students from ash exposure, classes were suspended in the localities of Binalbagan, Himamaylan City, Hinigaran, Isabela, Moises Padilla, Pontevedra, and La Castellana yesterday.
Local chief executives also issued advisories urging residents to stay indoors and wear face masks when going outside to prevent respiratory problems caused by volcanic ash.
Ashfall affected 90 barangays across 11 LGUs in Negros Occidental, with the most affected areas being Hinigaran (24 barangays), Isabela (19), Binalbagan (13), La Castellana and Moises Padilla (nine each), Himamaylan City (five), Pontevedra (four), Don Salvador Benedicto (three), Kabankalan City (two), and San Carlos City and Ilog (one each).
In addition to ash, reports of sulfur fumes, a typical sign of volcanic activity, were recorded in San Carlos City’s Barangay Codcod and La Carlota City’s Barangay Mailum.
Two barangays — Masulog in La Castellana and Odiong in Moises Padilla — reported both ash accumulation and sulfur odor.
In Negros Oriental, ashfall reached residents in Canlaon City, where the volcano is located.
Authorities warned that the ash and sulfuric fumes could affect nearby areas depending on wind conditions.
Meanwhile, Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya advised: “As a precaution, please limit outdoor activities and wear a mask when going outside.”
Local disaster response teams remain on standby to assist affected communities, while Phivolcs continues to closely monitor Kanlaon for any further developments.
Residents are urged to follow official advisories and stay updated on the volcano’s activity./CJ, WDJ