Haze seen in Cebu not caused by Kanlaon – Phivolcs

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) clarified yesterday that the light haze being experienced in Cebu and other areas of the country did not originate from Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island.

Mari-Andylene Quintia, resident volcanologist at the Phivolcs Observatory in La Carlota City in Negros Occidental, said the haze seen in Cebu is not a vog or volcanic smog from Kanlaon, but is possibly caused by an incoming typhoon.

She confirmed, though, that the haze being experienced in San Carlos City, also in Negros Occidental, is a vog because of its proximity to the volcano.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration in the Visayas, the haze in Cebu, seen since Wednesday, is possibly caused by a thermal inversion and might prevail until today.

As of yesterday, Phivolcs reported a continuing degassing of Kanlaon volcano, with occasional ash emissions that reached as high as 1,000 meters. The agency also recorded 13 volcanic quakes.

Quintia and San Carlos Disaster Risk Reduction and Management officer Joe Recalex urged city residents to wear face masks whenever they are outdoors, especially those with respiratory ailments.

Quintia said a volcanic smog might cause eye, throat and nose irritation.