Health officials warn against touching Kanlaon volcanic ash

The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday urged residents near Kanlaon Volcano to take strict precautions against ashfall and possible lahar flows following the volcano’s recent eruption.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that Kanlaon’s explosion produced an ash cloud reaching about 6,561 feet high.

Assistant Regional Director Adrian Ramos of the DOH Negros Island Region Center for Health Development said the agency has intensified information drives to warn the public about the dangers of volcanic ash exposure.

Ramos said his team immediately distributed health advisories explaining the effects of ashfall on the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.

He noted that DOH personnel observed residents testing falling ash with their bare hands, prompting health officials to intervene and correct the unsafe behavior.

Ramos warned that touching volcanic ash could lead to skin burns or rashes due to its possible sulfuric content.

He also urged the public to stay indoors as much as possible and to wear N95 masks, safety goggles, and long-sleeved clothing when going outside.

Volcanic ash, he said, can cause severe coughing, eye irritation, and respiratory distress, particularly among children, the elderly, and those with asthma or lung problems.

The DOH regional office said it has been working closely with local government units to ensure medical teams and supplies are ready to assist affected residents.