25 Barangays Covered in Ash: Kanlaon Eruption Aftermath Hits Five Negros Towns Hard
The aftermath of Kanlaon Volcano’s explosive eruption on Thursday afternoon is worse than initially thought. The Office of Civil Defense-Negros Island Region reports that ashfall has now blanketed 25 barangays across five local government units in Negros Occidental, with residents scrambling for face masks and goggles.
The hardest-hit areas include eight barangays in Pontevedra — Zamora, Gomez, Mabini, Burgos, Rizal, Antipolo, Canroma, and Cambarus — which experienced light to moderate ashfall. La Carlota City saw ashfall and a strong sulfuric smell in five barangays: Ara-al, Cubay, Nagasi, San Miguel, and La Granja.
Ashfall was also reported in Hinigaran (Barangays Miranda, Gargato, 1, 2, 3, 4, Anahaw, and Cambaog), Bago City (Barangays Ilijan, Mailum, and Binubuhan), and Barangay Sag-ang in La Castellana. Tremors were felt across La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Pontevedra, San Enrique, and Hinigaran.
Phivolcs confirmed that the eruption at 4:39 PM generated a dark gray plume that rose 2,000 meters above the crater before drifting southwest. An additional ash emission followed for 40 minutes from 4:45 PM to 5:25 PM. The volcano remains at Alert Level 2, with entry into the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone strictly prohibited.
The OCD-NIR says pre-emptive evacuation is temporarily on hold while coordination with affected LGUs continues. Local officials are requesting face masks and goggles for residents. With the volcano still restless, communities across Negros are bracing for what could come next.
Source: Manila Bulletin
