ASHFALL was reported in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, after Kanlaon Volcano erupted on Thursday, Feb. 19. (Mount Kanlaon Natural Park)
BACOLOD CITY – Ashfall blanketed 25 barangays in five local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental after the moderate explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Thursday afternoon, Feb. 19.
The Office of Civil Defense-Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) reported light to moderate ashfall in Barangays Zamora, Gomez, Mabini, Burgos, Rizal, Antipolo, Canroma, and Cambarus in Pontevedra.
Ashfall and sulfuric smell were also reported in Barangays Ara-al, Cubay, Nagasi, San Miguel, and La Granja in La Carlota City; Barangay Sag-ang in La Castellana; Barangays Miranda, Gargato, 1, 2, 3, 4, Anahaw, and Cambaog in Hinigaran; and Barangays Ilijan, Mailum, and Binubuhan in Bago City.
Vibration was felt in La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Pontevedra, San Enrique, and Hinigaran.
Kanlaon Volcano situated in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental erupted at 4:39 p.m. and lasted for two minutes, generating a dark gray eruption plume that rose 2,000 meters above the crater before drifting southwest, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
An ash emission followed for 40 minutes from 4:45 p.m. to 5:25 p.m., the OCD-NIR reported.
The OCD-NIR said that pre-emptive evacuation is temporarily on hold, while coordination with concerned LGUs is ongoing. Face masks and goggles are being requested for the affected LGUs.
Kanlaon Volcano remains at Alert Level 2 and entry into the four kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited.