By Mary Judaline Partlow
DUMAGUETE CITY – At least two barangays (villages) within the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) of Mt. Kanlaon in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, experienced ashfall following the volcano’s eruption early Sunday evening, officials reported Monday.
Seth Bariga, Canlaon City information officer, said ashfall was reported in Barangays Pula and Mabigo.
“Villagers and local authorities said moderate ashfall was recorded in these barangays, the first to be reported in Canlaon City after some recent volcanic eruptions of Kanlaon,” Bariga told the Philippine News Agency in a phone interview.
Typically, after an eruption, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warns of ashfall drifting toward the southwest, often affecting parts of Negros Occidental. However, Sunday evening’s advisory warned of ashfall moving southeast and northeast.
Bariga said half of Barangays Mabigo and Pula lie inside the four-km PDZ, and residents in those portions have not returned to their homes and farms since last year. The other half of the villages are within the extended six-km PDZ, where residents were advised to protect themselves from ashfall.
The moderate ashfall does not warrant evacuation, but residents are advised to wear masks or damp face cloths to prevent upper respiratory illnesses.
A forest fire on the Canlaon City side of the volcano died out naturally Monday morning. Firefighters and emergency responders are discouraged from entering the PDZ due to danger.
The city government is prepared to attend to residents with medical needs arising from the ashfall. (PNA)
