Ashfall from Kanlaon Volcano eruption reached 30 areas — DENR

A total of 30 cities and towns were affected by the ashfall from the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

In an advisory issued Tuesday, DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Western Visayas said the ashfall was reported in the following areas:

Negros Occidental

• La Castellana
• La Carlota City
• Bago City
• Murcia
• Pontevedra
• San Enrique
• Hinigaran
• Valladolid
• Pulupandan
• Moises Padilla

Guimaras

• Nueva Valencia
• Sibunag
• San Lorenzo
• Jordan

Iloilo

• Iloilo City
• Pavia
• Oton
• Tigbauan
• Igbaras
• Guimbal
• Miag-ao
• San Joaquin

Antique

• San Jose de Buenavista
• Tobias Fornier
• Anini-y
• San Remigio
• Hamtic
• Belison
• Sibalom
• Patnongon

Health hazards

The EMB Western Visayas warned affected residents that exposure to ashfall may result in respiratory problems, eye irritation, skin Irritation, and injury.

Concerned individuals should limit outdoor activities, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues, it added.

Affected residents have been advised to wear N95 masks or similar protection and goggles if they need to go outside. They should also use long-sleeved clothing to protect their skin.

Windows, doors, and ventilation systems must be closed to prevent ash from entering their houses.

Affected residents were also advised to refrain from driving unless absolutely necessary as ash can reduce visibility and damage vehicle engines.

They are also told to avoid touching or rubbing ash-covered surfaces with bare hands and use damp cloths to clean surfaces.

At the same time, water containers should be covered and food should be washed thoroughly to avoid contamination, the EMB Western Visayas said. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News