Kanlaon Volcano. Photo courtesy of Phivolcs.
At least two barangays in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, recorded moderate ashfall following Mt. Kanlaon’s eruption early Sunday evening, officials said Monday.
Seth Bariga, Canlaon City information officer, said the ashfall affected Barangays Pula and Mabigo.
“Villagers and local authorities said moderate ashfall was recorded in these barangays, the first to be reported in Canlaon City after some recent volcanic eruptions of Kanlaon,” Bariga told the Philippine News Agency in a phone interview.
Typically, ashfall from Mt. Kanlaon drifts southwest toward Negros Occidental, but Sunday evening’s advisory reported ash moving southeast and northeast.
Bariga said portions of Barangays Mabigo and Pula lie inside the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone, where residents have not returned since last year. The other portions fall within the extended six-kilometer zone, where people were advised to protect themselves from ashfall.
The moderate ashfall does not require evacuation, but officials recommend wearing masks or using damp cloths to prevent respiratory issues.
A forest fire on the Canlaon City side of the volcano died out naturally Monday morning. Firefighters and responders are discouraged from entering the danger zone due to safety risks.
