Cebu deploys masks, readies hospitals as Kanlaon ashfall drifts in

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — The Cebu Provincial Government has begun distributing hundreds of N95 face masks and placed its hospitals on alert after ashfall from Kanlaon Volcano reached several parts of Cebu on Thursday, July 9.

The response came as authorities warned that prolonged exposure to volcanic ash could cause respiratory problems, prompting the province to step up preparedness in affected communities.

READ: Kanlaon ashfall reaches parts of Cebu

Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Dennis Pastor said that response teams were immediately dispatched after ashfall was reported in Metro Cebu and several western Cebu towns.

Masks sent to affected towns

This included Balamban, Toledo City, Pinamungajan, and Aloguinsan.

“We have dispatched a team for situation assessment and to assess the immediate needs of the local government units (LGUs),” Pastor said.

Food supplies and an initial 500 N95 face masks were delivered to the affected towns.

Pastor added that the province has allotted another 6,000 N95 masks for areas experiencing the heaviest ashfall.

READ: Kanlaon ashfall in Cebu: What residents should do to stay safe

Wear masks outdoors, DOH recommends

The Department of Health earlier advised residents who need to go outdoors to wear N95 or KN95 masks for better protection against fine volcanic ash particles.

Health authorities said that these respirators filter at least 95 percent of fine airborne particles and help reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses.

Meanwhile, officials placed provincial and district hospitals across Cebu on heightened alert for a possible increase in patients with respiratory symptoms caused by the ashfall.

Hospitals prepare for possible influx

“Ready atong mga hospitals and medicines for the possible influx of patients (Our hospitals and medicines ready for the possible influx of patients),” Faciol said.

Cebu Provincial Health Office (CPHO) head Dr. Sheila Faciol said that hospitals in Balamban, Pinamungahan, Barili, and Carcar are closely monitoring the situation.

She added that city and municipal health offices are likewise ready to provide medicines and emergency medical assistance when needed.

Faciol urged residents to remain indoors whenever possible and wear N95 face masks because fine ash particles can irritate the respiratory system.

READ: Mt. Kanlaon erupts anew on July 9

She added that the CPHO will procure additional face masks worth about ₱2.2 million through an emergency purchase to supplement the province’s supply.

Kanlaon ashfall: What you can do

The health chief also advised residents to keep water containers covered and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly to prevent contamination from volcanic ash.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that Kanlaon Volcano erupted at 7:33 a.m. on Thursday.

The eruption produced a dark gray ash plume that rose two to three kilometers above the summit crater before drifting eastward.

Classes suspended as a precaution

Pastor said east to north winds carried the ash cloud toward Cebu, particularly affecting communities along the province’s western coastline.

READ: LIST: Cebu LGUs where classes, work are suspended due to Kanlaon ashfall

The ashfall prompted several local government units in Cebu to suspend classes as a precaution.

Provincial officials said that coordination with national agencies and local governments continues as they monitor the situation and respond to areas affected by the eruption.

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