Cebu air quality back to 'good,' acid rain threat remains — DENR-7

MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – Air quality in Cebu returned to the “Good” category on Saturday morning, but environment officials are urging Cebuanos to remain vigilant.

In an advisory issued at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas (DENR-7) said that although air quality has improved, the threat of acid rain remains as Mt. Kanlaon stays under Alert Level 2.

“While current particulate readings are safe, do not let your guard down. Mt. Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 2,” read part of the DENR-7 advisory.

READ: Kanlaon ashfall strikes 2 with respiratory illness in Cebu

“Because prevailing southwest winds continue to carry volcanic sulfur dioxide SOx gas across the region, there is a notable probability of ACID RAIN when these emissions mix with local rainfall and atmospheric moisture,” it added.

The agency said that acid rain can cause mild skin irritation, damage backyard crops, and corrode exposed metal surfaces like your roofing or vehicles.

READ: Acid rain in Cebu possible after Kanlaon eruption

Mt. Kanlaon ashfall

Ashfall from the moderately explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano reached parts of Cebu on Thursday morning, July 9, prompting the suspension of classes and government work in some areas of the island province.

The DENR-7 said air quality in Cebu has since improved. Based on its 6 a.m. air quality monitoring on Saturday, the levels of fine particulate matter had safely returned to the “Good” category.

However, the agency urged the public to remain cautious as Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 2, with the threat of possible acid rain still present.

Residents are also advised to continue monitoring advisories issued by concerned government agencies.

READ: Pagasa: Typhoon Inday exits PAR on Saturday morning

Here are some preventive measures that we all should know:

Stay Indoors During Rainfall: Avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure when it rains. If you do get caught in the downpour, take a bath and thoroughly rinse your skin and hair with clean water immediately.

Protect Your Water Supply: Keep rain barrels, deep wells, and open water containers securely covered to prevent hazardous volcanic contamination.

Mask Up Outdoors: If you must head out, wear a properly fitted N95 or KN95 face mask along with protective eyewear to shield yourself from residual airborne particles.

Seal Your Home: Keep your doors and windows closed as much as possible to stop any lingering volcanic gases or ash from drifting inside.

Protect Your Plants and Assets: Move sensitive potted plants under shelter if possible. After it rains, gently rinse plant leaves and safely wash away any acidic residues from metal roofs before they can cause damage.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

Read Next

Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.