ILOILO – With Kanlaon Volcano’s alert level still at No. 2 in Negros Occidental following its eruption on June 3, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) warned residents of Iloilo province about the potential risks of exposure to volcanic ash that could travel long distances.
Dr. Rodney Labis, chief of the IPHO-Health Service Delivery Division, emphasized: “The spread of volcanic ash poses significant health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions like bronchitis and asthma.”
Exposure to volcanic ash can lead to various health issues, including nasal and throat irritation, coughing, asthma attacks, eye and skin irritation, accidents due to slippery roads, and reduced visibility.
Should ash from Kanlaon Volcano reach Iloilo, risks can be mitigated by, according to Labis, staying indoors or in safe, enclosed spaces.
He also recommended sealing windows and doors with wet cloth or curtains to prevent ash from entering homes.
For worst-case scenarios, he suggested that residents stock up on food and essential supplies, such as Go Bags and first aid kits, to minimize the need to leave homes.
If going outside is necessary, wearing personal protective equipment like dust masks, goggles, and eyeglasses is crucial.
Additionally, pets should be kept in safe areas, and traffic and road safety measures should be followed.
Labis said people should also ensure that their radios and cellphones have batteries to receive updates from the national government and media.
Residents should also have emergency contact numbers for easy coordination during emergencies or rescue operations./PN