The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) is monitoring air quality across Cebu after ashfall from the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano reached several parts of the province, leading a number of local government units to suspend classes.
PDRRMO chief Ret. Col. Dennis Francis Pastor said the volcanic ash was carried by easterly to northeasterly winds and affected Toledo City and the municipalities of Aloguinsan and Pinamungahan.
Ashfall was also reported in Cebu City and other parts of the province.
Pastor said the provincial government has deployed assessment teams to the affected areas and has sent food supplies and 500 N95 face masks for immediate distribution.
An additional 6,000 face masks are being prepared for localities experiencing heavier ashfall.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro directed the PDRRMO early Thursday morning to closely monitor the effects of the eruption and coordinate with local government units and concerned agencies to ensure a timely response.
As a precautionary measure, residents were advised to wear face masks, stay indoors as much as possible, and avoid unnecessary travel, as ashfall could reduce visibility on roads.
Pastor also urged the public to rely only on verified information from government agencies and to remove ash from rooftops carefully, warning that accumulated wet ash can become heavy enough to damage structures.
As of Thursday, classes had been suspended in Toledo City, Balamban, Talisay City, Cebu City, Minglanilla, Pinamungahan, Consolacion, Aloguinsan, Mandaue City, Cordova, Liloan, Asturias, Naga City, Sogod, Compostela, Carcar City, San Fernando, Santa Fe, Argao, and Dumanjug.
The provincial government said it continues to coordinate with concerned agencies and local government units to ensure the safety of residents while monitoring developments related to the Kanlaon eruption.
Photo courtesy of Cebu Province
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