Kanlaon Volcano's ash emission affects Bago City barangays

Ashfall and sulfuric smells from Kanlaon Volcano affected several barangays in Bago City, Negros Occidental on Saturday, Feb. 15.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that an ash emission occurred at 2:32 p.m., lasting eight minutes with a plume rising 1,500 meters above the summit crater before drifting west-northwest.

Ashfall was observed in Barangays Mailum, Ma-ao, Binubuhan, Abuanan, Dulao, and Ilijan, while sulfurous smells were also reported in Brgy. Bacong.

Phivolcs noted that sulfur dioxide (SO2) flux was measured at an average of 2,625 tonnes/day, less than the medium-term average since June 3, 2024, and warned of potential hazards such as sudden explosive eruption, ash fall, rockfall, lahar during heavy rains, and pyroclastic flow.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management is monitoring the situation closely, with the city government maintaining vigilance to ensure public safety.