The minor explosive eruption at Kanlaon Volcano on Friday, Oct. 24, caused ashfall and sulfuric stench to hit 18 barangays in seven towns and cities in the Negros Island Region, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported.
The volcano also emitted more ash from 7:04 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., and 9:33 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. on Saturday.
The ash contaminated open water sources in some areas in Mailum, Bago City, OCD Negros Island Region director Donato Sermeno III said on Sunday, Oct. 26.
Affected by the ashfall and sulfuric stench are Bago City – 10 barangays, La Castellana and Canlaon City – 2 barangays each, La Carlota City, San Carlos City, Pontevedra and Murcia – one each, the OCD report said.
Ashfall was also reported in Punta Taytay, Bacolod City, on Friday evening.
Bago Mayor Marina “Mayette” Javellana-Yao said the city government distributed drinking water to the residents of Barangay Mailum.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and barangay officials said water sources in some puroks in Barangay Mailum were affected by the ashfall.
Mailum Punong Barangay Melchor Sayco said they have contacted the City Health Office to test the water in the affected communities to see if it is safe for residents to drink.
The Negros Island Region – Center for Health Development (NIR-CHD) conducted a field visit to assess the health situation in barangays Mailum, Ilijan, and Maao in Bago City on Saturday.
During the activity face masks were distributed to residents and the health conditions of the communities were evaluated to ensure appropriate health response and continued monitoring.
The Bago City Primary Care Facility continues to work closely with the Department of Health – NIR CHD and other response units to safeguard the health and well-being of the affected population, the mayor said.
Javellana-Yao said they are still determining if the ashfall damaged crops.*