Negros Occidental LGUs advise mask use, class suspension due to Mount Kanlaon ashfall

Local government units in Negros Occidental have advised residents to wear masks, suspend classes, and restrict activities due to ashfall following an explosive eruption of Mount Kanlaon on Tuesday morning.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that the eruption lasted for 56 minutes, starting at 5:51 a.m., and comes four months after a similar event in December.

In La Carlota City, Mayor Rex Jalando-on ordered the suspension of face-to-face classes and work in government offices within the city except those involved in disaster response.

The Bureau of Fire Protection is conducting road flushing and providing potable water to affected areas, while authorities strictly prohibit human activity within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone due to ongoing volcanic risks.

Bacolod City's Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office has been placed on blue alert as a precautionary measure following the eruption.

Negros Occidental Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer expressed concern over the disruption of classes and urged support for affected local government units, noting that disaster funds have been exhausted amid national assistance efforts.