PHIVOLCS WARNS FURTHER ERUPTIONS AND LAHARS; HEALTH RISKS OVER KANLAON

Following Kanlaon’s explosive eruption, Phivolcs warns possible hazardous eruptions, and lahar lows over Kanlaon volcano (Photo courtesy of XSR Adventures/Manila Standard)

The state volcanologists have warned of even stronger explosive eruptions at Kanlaon volcano following its explosive eruption on Monday. Thousands of residents living within the six-kilometer danger zone of Mount Kanlaon on Negros Island have evacuated.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) earlier placed under alert level 3, which means that a hazardous eruption is possible in the coming weeks. There are also dangers of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), ballistic projectiles and ashfall, lava flows, rockfalls and other related hazards.

Phivolcs added that heavy rains falling on the southern slopes of the volcano may generate lahars in rivers that pass-through barangays. “Local government units have been advised to monitor these and downstream barangays in case lahars occur and impact these communities.”

The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) are expecting a total of 54,000 people to be evacuated living within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone of the Kanlaon.

If the alert level is further increased, the danger zone will also expand to 10 kilometers. On a latest report, more than 3,400 families have sought shelter prompting authorities to enlist the help of police to compel the forced evacuation.

Authorities said that the evacuated residents will stay a minimum of three weeks at the designated evacuation centers, and all response clusters are activated to facilitate emergency response and humanitarian assistance.

Furthermore, the Department of Health (DOH) warned the affected residents against respiratory illnesses and potential health risks that could affect persons following the ashfall. It said that volcanic ash could irritate the respiratory tract, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Ash particles can cause redness, itching, and pain in the eyes and prolonged ash exposure may lead to skin rashes. Meanwhile, ashfall increases the risk of waterborne diseases. Residents are advised to dtay indoors, close all doors and windows. Use N95 masks if available.

DOH regional offices were reminded to ensure an adequate supply of N95 masks, eye protection or goggles, water purification tablets or filters, medicines, hand sanitizers, and antiseptic wipes.

Source: GMA Integrated News

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