Ashfall hits villages around Kanlaon

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — While state volcanologists noted a decline in the sulfur dioxide emission of Kanlaon Volcano in the past few days, ashfall events continued in several barangays in La Castellana in Negros Occidental and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the stench of sulfur also prevailed in the villages.

Mari-Andylene Quintia, Phivolcs resident volcanologist at the Mt. Kanlaon Observatory, yesterday said thin layers of volcanic ash were reported in the villages of Pula and Masulog in Canlaon City as well as in Biak Na Bato, Cabacungan and Cabagnaan in La Castellana.

State volcanologists said they recorded up to 10 volcanic earthquakes and 2,066 tons of sulfur dioxide emission on Tuesday.

Although the gas emission was lower compared to previous days, Quintia said the figure remained high compared to the baseline data of 300 tons per day.

Quintia said ashfall and noxious gases could cause lung and heart diseases.

Residents in affected villages have been advised to limit outdoor exposure or wear face masks when they need to go out.

Authorities urged people to seek professional help once they experience difficulty in breathing, progressing cough or itchy throat.

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson urged residents living near the volcano to heed calls to evacuate if the need arises.

Kanlaon Volcano, which remains under Alert Level 2, has been spewing ash and gas intermittently since Saturday.