Cebu still on alert as ashfall from Kanlaon persists

Local

EVEN as Metro Cebu’s air quality on Friday, July 9, has slightly improved, authorities remained alert and vigilant over the aftermath of Kanlaon’s eruption.

The Capitol confirmed two cases of ashfall-related admissions. The patients came from the western towns of Barili and Pinamungajan — both directly facing Negros Island where Kanlaon is located — and currently confined in district hospitals.

In nearby Toledo City, officials there continue to keep watch of the impact of Tashfall. The Toledo City General Hospital has been placed under Code White, meaning all healthcare personnel are on standby.

Likewise, classes in 27 areas in the province remain suspended.

As of 6 a.m. on Friday, air quality in large portions of Metro Cebu fell within safe guideline values, according to the Environmental Management Bureau-Central Visayas (EMB-7).

The agency explained that concentration of airborne pollutants, including volcanic debris such as ash, or ozone) meets health and safety limits set by authorities such as the World Health Organization, and considered safe for the general public.

Toledo, which bore the brunt of Thursday’s ashfall, posted a PM2.5 concentration of 5.1 micrograms per cubic meter, translating to an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 10, or "good," while its PM10 level registered 24 micrograms per cubic meter, also rated "good" at an AQI of 22.

Talisay City, the other monitoring point, recorded a PM2.5 reading of 20.6 micrograms per cubic meter (AQI 58, "fair") and PM10 at 28 micrograms per cubic meter (AQI 26, "good").

However, authorities emphasized the need to continue taking precautionary measures, particularly using N95 face masks for individuals with co-morbidities and respiratory issues.

“The effects of Mt. Kanlaon eruption still continue to persist, as evidenced by reported ashfall incidents across areas along the trajectory of the wind path,” EMB-7 stated.

Earlier, disaster officials, state volcanologists and meteorologists warned that ashfall may persist in Cebu for days, and would largely depend on Kanlaon’s activity and prevailing weather conditions.

Latest monitoring from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) showed that Kanlaon emitted an average 473 tons of sulfur dioxide gas into the air since its eruption on Thursday, July 9.

They also noted increased unrest in the volcano, and recorded at least 21 volcanic quakes over the last 24 hours.

Alert Level 2 remains in effect for Kanlaon.(RBE)