The Lapu-Lapu City Government suspended face-to-face classes on Thursday, July 9, after ashfall from the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon was reported in parts of the city.
The local government said the suspension was intended to safeguard the health and safety of students, teachers, and school personnel.
“Please wear your facemask kung kinahanglan mogawas sa inyung mga panimalay kay ang abo gikan sa bulkan posible makamugna og sakit sama sa ubo, sip-on, iritasyon sa mata, ilong ug tutunlan ug mahimong mas delikado alang sa mga bata, senior citizens, buntis ug mga adunay hubak o sakit sa baga,” Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan said.
The city advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel and keep windows and doors closed to prevent volcanic ash from entering their homes.
Lapu-Lapu City was also placed under Blue Alert Status, with emergency response teams placed on standby for any ashfall-related incidents.
As part of the city’s response, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office distributed free face masks to employees, students, teachers, and residents.
City Hall marshals also handed out face masks to visitors entering Lapu-Lapu City Hall to help minimize exposure to volcanic ash.
The Lapu-Lapu City Health Office urged residents to stay indoors as much as possible, keep windows and doors tightly closed, and wear properly fitted N95 or KN95 face masks when going outside.
Health officials noted that regular cloth or surgical masks do not effectively filter fine ash particles.
Residents were also advised to protect their eyes and skin from ash exposure, avoid dry sweeping volcanic ash, stay hydrated, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience persistent coughing, throat irritation, difficulty breathing, chest pain, continuous wheezing, or severe eye irritation.
Mayor King-Chan also urged residents, particularly children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions, to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities and rely only on official government updates.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Kanlaon Volcano produced a moderately explosive eruption at 7:33 a.m. on Thursday.
PHIVOLCS has maintained Alert Level 2 over the volcano.
Photo courtesy of Mayor Cindi King–Chan / Facebook
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