By Ma. Cristina Arayata
MANILA – Residents near Kanlaon Volcano, which spans the provinces of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental, should not underestimate ashfall even if it appears light, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology’s (Phivolcs) chief said Tuesday.
Phivolcs recorded ash emissions from the volcano’s summit crater at around 5:32 a.m. and 6:01 a.m. Tuesday, generating grayish plumes that rose to 800 meters above the crater.
In an interview with the Philippine News Agency, Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said ash emission is part of the volcano’s current unrest.
Ashfall, however, should not be taken lightly, even if it appears light, he warned.
“Wear a mask. Cover the food and drinking water. Wet the ash deposit before cleaning to prevent it from being airborne again,” he suggested.
Bacolcol also reminded the public to avoid the four-km. permanent danger zone, and to heed advisories from local governments.
He said ash emission and ashfall are possible in all active volcanoes, but the intensity would depend on the volcano’s current activity.
Mayon Volcano in Albay, for instance, could generate ash when lava flow or lava dome collapses, like what happened last May 2.
Ash in Mayon and Kanlaon volcanoes can also be generated through degassing and explosive eruptions, he added. (PNA)
