Thin layers of volcanic ash and sulfuric odor from Kanlaon Volcano were reported in several areas in La Carlota City, Bago City and La Castellana in Negros Occidental, officials said Monday, Nov. 4.
Kanlaon Volcano that is degassing spewed grey ash again on Monday morning, Mari-Andylene Quintia, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology resident volcanologist at the Mt. Kanlaon Observatory, said.
It also spewed grey ash on Saturday and Sunday.
A Phivolcs report said from 12 a.m. Sunday to 12 a.m. Monday Kanlaon had five volcanic earthquakes and two ashing events.
The Volcano also emitted 5,177 metric tons of sulfur, Phivolcs added.
Volcanic ash in the degassing plume signifies open vent conditions in which volcanic gas can carry fine debris from fractured rock or even from the margins of shallow magma beneath the edifice, Phivolcs said.
In case of ash fall events that may affect communities downwind of Kanlaon’s crater, people should cover their nose and mouth with a damp, clean cloth or dust mask, it said.
Mayor Rex Jalandoon said there was a thin layer of ash fall and sulfur smell in Barangay Araal, La Carlota City, on Sunday.
In Barangay Yubo residents also reported the faint smell of sulfur, he added.
Residents of La Carlota have been advised to wear masks, stay indoors during ash fall incidents and be vigilant, Jalandoon said.
In La Castellana town a thin layer of ash fall was noted in Barangay Robles on Saturday, and sulfur smell hit Barangay Cabagnaan on Sunday, John de Asis, La Castellana Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office head, said.
Residents, especially the elderly and those with comorbidities, know that they should wear masks when the volcano emits ash that lands in their areas, de Asis said.
Quintia said they also received reports of thin layers of ashfall at the Rafael M. Salas Park and Nature Center in Bago City.
Irene Bel Ploteña Provincial Disaster Management Program Division (PDMPD) head, said sulfur odor was reported on Nov. 1 and 2 in barangays Ara-al, Yubo, La Granja and Haguimit in La Carlota City due to continuous degassing from the summit crater.*