Kanlaon ashfall strikes 2 with respiratory illness in Cebu

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu Province has recorded two cases of respiratory illness linked to ashfall from the recent eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, although both patients were treated as outpatients and have recovered, Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Shelia C. Faciol said on Friday, July 10, 2026.

The patients, one each from the municipalities of Pinamungajan and Barili, experienced difficulty breathing after volcanic ash reached parts of Cebu.

The ashfall reached the province after east to north winds, enhanced by the southwest monsoon (Habagat) and the effects of typhoon Inday, carried volcanic ash from Mt. Kanlaon to Metro Cebu and western Cebu, said Dennis Pastor, chief of the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

“Ang atong nakuha nga report, there’s one patient sa Pinamungajan and one in Barili for difficulty of breathing, pero na-manage ra as outpatient, so okay ra. Wala ra na-admit,” Faciol said.

READ: EXPLAINER: How did the Kanlaon ashfall reach Cebu?

(Based on the reports received, one patient from Pinamungajan and another from Barili experienced difficulty breathing, but both were treated as outpatients and did not require hospitalization.)

No other reports of illness

Faciol said no other ashfall-related illnesses have been reported by government hospitals and Rural Health Units (RHUs) across the province.

“Kana ra atong nakuha nga report from our hospitals. Sa atong mga RHUs pod, wala silay patient related to ashfall nga mga symptoms,” she said.

(Those are the only cases reported by hospitals. The province’s RHUs have not recorded patients with symptoms related to the ashfall.)

She explained that volcanic ash is made up of fine particles that can be inhaled, irritating the respiratory system and potentially triggering breathing problems, especially among people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

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

“Ang mga acute respiratory… kanang mga difficulty of breathing, naglisod ginhawa. Possibly basig asthmatic ni sila unya na-trigger ni because of the ashfall,” Faciol said.

(The patients experienced acute respiratory symptoms, particularly difficulty breathing. They may have had asthma that was triggered by the ashfall.)

“Respiratory gyud siya kay ma-inhale man siya. Fine-fine particles man siya, so ma-irritate ang atong mga bronchioles. Mo-result gyud into difficulty of breathing,” she added.

(Volcanic ash primarily affects the respiratory system because its fine particles can be inhaled, irritating the bronchioles and causing difficulty breathing.)

Eye, skin irritants

Aside from respiratory problems, Faciol warned that volcanic ash, particularly with sulfur content, may also irritate the skin and eyes.

“As much as possible, mag-mask gyud. Kung needed gyud nga mogawas, mag-wear og long-sleeved para ma-protect atong skin. Katong grabe ang ashfall, stay at home. Dili mogawas,” she said.

(Residents should wear face masks and long-sleeved clothing when going outdoors. During heavy ashfall, it is best to stay indoors.)

She also encouraged the public to wear protective eyewear to avoid eye irritation.

“Maka-irritate gyud sad siya unya ig ma-irritate raba atong mata, we tend to luguron nato, so mosamot ang irritation,” she said.

(Volcanic ash can also irritate the eyes, and rubbing them may worsen the irritation.)

Residents who come into contact with volcanic ash should wash exposed skin immediately with soap and water, Faciol added. She also advised the public to dust off or vacuum accumulated ash before washing it away with water to minimize exposure during cleanup.

Mask distribution

Meanwhile, the Cebu provincial government has started distributing N95 face masks to areas affected by the ashfall following an emergency procurement. The masks will be distributed through hospitals, local government units, and health offices to healthcare workers and residents in affected communities.

Faciol also urged parents to keep children indoors while ash particles remain in the air.

“Since walay klase (since there are no classes), hopefully the parents would really encourage their children to stay at home,” she said.

Faciol urged parents to keep their children indoors, noting that ash particles may still be present in the air despite the suspension of classes.

The Provincial Health Office continues to monitor communities for possible ashfall-related illnesses as Mt. Kanlaon’s volcanic activity continues to affect parts of Central Visayas.

READ: Kanlaon Volcano sees ‘moderately explosive eruption’ – Phivolcs

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