By: Aliahcorr Balanon
Photo from: Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines - Since the weekend, Mt. Kanlaon has been emitting gray ash. The volcano straddles Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental; the state volcanologist and local authorities from this province are closely monitoring the restive of Mt. Kanlaon.
According to the resident volcanologist of Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Mari-Andylene Quinta, Mt. Kanlaon spewed gray ash on November 5 from 6:43 AM to 7:06 AM.
“It is not an eruption event. Our concern is the ashfall,” Quintal said.
On Tuesday, the PHIVOLCS reported that Mt. Kanlaon had eight volcanic earthquakes and emitted 4,768 tons of sulfur dioxide.
Thin layers of gray ash was seen on the Barangays of Cabacungan and Cabagnaan in La Castellana, Negros Occidental; and Barangay Masulog in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.
According to the mayor of La Carlota City, Rex Jalandoon it was reported that there was a thin layer of ashfall and sulfur smell on Sunday. He also said that there is a faint smell of sulfur on Barangay Yubo residents.
ADVISORY TO WEAR MASKS
The residents of La Carlota were advised to wear masks and cover their mouth with clean cloth or dust masks. The Mayor also advised them to stay indoors during the ashfall and be vigilant.
According to John de Asis, the La Castellana Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head, said that the elderly and those with comorbidities residents of La Castellana town, were encouraged to wear masks.
PREPAREDNESS
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said that Negros Occidental province is standby and prepared in any eventuality as Mt. Kanlaon erupted last June 3 that resulted in spewing coarse ashfall and sulfurous fumes that damaged P84.1 million in crops and fisheries.
“Personally, I am hoping it will not erupt because at this time of the year, November, most of the local governments, especially in that area have already exhausted their budgets for calamities,” Lacson added.
EVACUATION AND HEALTH ISSUES
According to Lacson, their top priority is the evacuation of the residents within the 4-kilometer danger zone of Mt. Kanlaon.
“I am hoping that when it is time to evacuate, the cooperation will be there,” the governor said.
Mt. Kanlaon is still under alert level 1 due to increased volcanic activity.
For the health conditions of the people around Mt. Kanlaon, Dr. Maria Girlie Pinongan, the Negros Occidental provincial health officer said that they are standby in monitoring the situations. As of now, there are no reported health issues.