The Department of Health (DOH) has reminded residents near Kanlaon Volcano to wear face masks to protect themselves from ashfall following the volcano’s eruption on Friday night.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that a moderately explosive eruption occurred at the summit crater of the volcano from 8:05 p.m. to 8:08 p.m., generating a plume that rose 2,000 meters in the air and drifted northwest.
Phivolcs also noted that ashfall was observed in the localities of Bago City, La Carlota City, Pontevedra, and La Castellana in Negros Occidental and in Canlaon City in Negros Oriental. In a Facebook post, the DOH warned that the ashfall and lahar from the volcano may irritate the eyes and skin, and may cause severe coughing.
The DOH reminded the residents to use face masks, particularly N95 face masks, wear safety goggles and eye protection, and wear long sleeves or pants to cover the skin.
Meanwhile, in an interview with dzMM Teleradyo on Saturday, DOH Negros Island Region Center for Health Development Assistant Regional Director Dr. Adrian Ramos said that medical teams have been deployed following the eruption. Ramos also said that the medical personnel have been actively disseminating information on the hazardous effects of ashfall on the health of the residents.
‘We advise them to stay inside their shelters. The local government units are also flooding them with information on the effects [of ashfall] on their skin,’ Ramos said.
Aside from this, the DOH encouraged residents to dial the National Emergency Hotline 911 or the Negros Island Region Operations Center (0966-7631144) for assistance. /das