BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The air quality in Iloilo City remains at a “good” level despite the recent eruption of the Kanlaon Volcano.
According to the Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center (OpCen), citing latest data from iQAir and Windy, the air quality is satisfactory with minimal health risks.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) levels are at 4.27 mg/m², which is considered safe, OpCen said.
Prevailing winds from the East-Northeast at 15-20 kph are effectively dispersing volcanic emissions away from the city, further minimizing the impact.
While Iloilo City currently enjoys good air quality following the Kanlaon Volcano eruption, hazards related to volcanic ashfall remain a concern, especially for areas closer to the volcano.
OpCen cautioned residents about the health impacts due to the volcanic eruption such as eye Irritation and potential damage from fine ash particles.
Ashfall from volcanic eruptions may also trigger respiratory issues, particularly for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Prolonged exposure to ashfall can also cause skin irritation.
Kanlaon Volcano erupted on Monday, Dece. 9, 2024, at 3:03 PM, producing an eruption column approximately 3 kilometers high.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the alert level to Alert Level 3, signaling magmatic unrest with the potential for escalation into more explosive activity.
Around 87,000 residents were evacuated as a precaution. PHIVOLCS has advised local government units to enforce evacuations within a 6-kilometer radius of the volcano’s summit and prepare for possible expansion.
The eruption generated ash plumes drifting west-southwest and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) descending the southeastern slopes, monitored via thermal and infrared cameras.
Several cities and towns that are experiencing ashfall include the cities of Bago and La Carlota and the municipalities La Castellana, Moises Padilla, and Isabela.
Residents in these areas are advised to stay indoors, wear masks, and avoid outdoor activities to minimize health risks.
Authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance, closely monitoring the volcano, and urging compliance with evacuation orders to ensure safety.
In addition, Opcen also warned of environmental and infrastructure effects of ashfall, including contamination of water supplies and potential blockage of drainage systems.
For areas closer to Kanlaon, authorities also warned of the threat of Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDCs)—a rapid, destructive flow of hot gases and volcanic debris that are extremely dangerous.
Authorities urged the public to regularly check updates from trusted local news and disaster risk reduction management offices and comply with advisories from local officials.
Affected residents are encouraged to use protective masks, goggles, and clothing and limit outdoor activities, particularly for individuals with respiratory sensitivities./PN
