A minor explosive eruption occurred at Kanlaon Volcano from 8:05 p.m. to 8:08 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, causing ashfall and sulfuric odor in several barangays across three cities and two towns in Negros Occidental.
A booming sound was heard in Brgy Pula, Canlaon City, in Negros Oriental, during the eruption, the Office of Civil Defense-Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) reported.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 2.
No evacuations were ordered as of Friday evening, but LGUs near Kanlaon remained on alert.
The minor explosive eruption generated a plume that rose 2,000 meters above Kanlaon’s crater before drifting northeast and could be seen descending the southern upper slopes within 1 kilometer of the summit crater, Phivolcs said.
The Bago City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) reported ash fall in barangays Mailum, Ma-ao, Ilijan, Bacong, and Abuanan.
Ash fall was also reported in Brgy Ara-al, La Carlota; upper Brgy Sag-ang, La Castellana; and upper Brgy Codcod, San Carlos City.
Ground shaking was observed in Guintubdan in Brgy Ara-al, the OCD-NIR reported.
Light ashfall was also reported in Bargy Zamora, Pontevedra.
The La Carlota government advised residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities.
It asked residents to observe the following safety measures:
*Stay inside homes. Avoid exposure to volcanic ash and fumes which may cause respiratory and eye irritation;
*Close all windows and doors. Use damp cloths or towels to seal gaps and prevent ash from entering your homes;
*Wear masks or cloth coverings. If you must go outside, wear N95 masks or cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth;
*Avoid drinking water from open sources. Ensure that water for drinking and cooking is clean and covered;
*Keep livestock and pets indoors or in sheltered areas away from ashfall.
*Stay updated and monitor official advisories; and
*Be prepared to evacuate. If advised by authorities, cooperate immediately and proceed to designated evacuation centers.*