Thunderstorms could worsen effects of Kanlaon ash fall
Be careful, Family!
Isolated thunderstorms on Negros Island could affect areas hit by Monday's eruption of Kanlaon volcano, weather bureau PAGASA said Tuesday.
PAGASA weather forecaster Robb Gile said isolated thunderstorms could affect Negros Island in the afternoon and evening.
"If there are thunderstorms, this could affect the ash spewed by the volcano here in Negros," he said in a TeleRadyo Servisyo interview.
Kanlaon volcano spewed a 4,000-meter ash eruption column Monday afternoon, which blew in a west-southwest direction.
Sulfur dioxide flux was estimated at 1,669 tons on the day of the eruption, with pyroclastic density currents 2-3.4 kilometers from the crater.
Phivolcs also recorded 20 volcanic earthquakes on Monday. Alert level 3 has been hoisted over Kanlaon.
The Department of Health has also identified potential health risks following the volcanic eruption. These include:
respiratory illnesses (volcanic ash can irritate the respiratory tract, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or the like);
eye irritation (ash particles can cause redness, itching, and pain in the eyes);
skin irritation (prolonged ash exposure may lead to skin rashes); and
water contamination (ashfall increases the risk of waterborne diseases).
PAGASA, meanwhile, warned of heavy to intense (100-200 mm) in Quezon and Camarines Norte, and moderate to heavy (50-100 mm) rainfall in Aurora, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, and Sorsogon due to the Intertropical Convergence Zone and Shear Line.
A 4 a.m. forecast said Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Bicol Region, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Bulacan, and Aurora will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms due to the Shear Line.
