BACOLOD CITY - Ashfall and sulfuric stench from the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Monday affected 398 families or 1,580 individuals in Bago City, Negros Occidental.

ASH  covers the roofs and roads in Barangay Ma-ao, Bago City, Negros Occidental after the Kanlaon Volcano eruption on Monday, Dec. 9. (Photo courtesy of XSR Adventures)

Ashfall was first reported in Barangays Mailum and Ilijan at 3:19 p.m.,  minutes after an explosive eruption occurred at 3:03 p.m.

An hour later, sulfuric stench and ashfall were reported in 24 barangays.

As of Tuesday, Dec. 10, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council  reported that Barangay Ilijan has most number of evacuees at 269 families, followed by Barangay Mailum with 83, Barangay Binubuhan with 20, and Barangay Ma-ao with nine.

A total of 381 families are staying in seven evacuation centers while 17 are temporarily sheltered outside.

The effects of the eruption caused anxiety attacks, allergies, cough, accident, and hyperventilation syndrome among residents.

The city government has  distributed facemasks to  affected residents and evacuation in Barangays Ilijan, Mailum, and Binubuhan is ongoing.

Roads and bridges are all passable but covered with ash and slippery. Flushing of volcanic ash in various places such as thoroughfares, city hall, and markets has been conducted.

Power interruption was reported in Barangays Ilijan and Mailum.

Suspension of classes on all levels in Bago City was imposed effective Tuesday.

Work at the Bago City Hall and other offices under the city government were cancelled. A skeletal force is on duty.