Volcanic Ash Pollution Incident at Mount Kanlaon, Philippines

On April 9 local time, Mount Kanlaon on Negros Island in central Philippines erupted multiple times. The eruption at 6:24 a.m. produced a gray ash plume reaching 1,200 meters in height, while the plume from the midday eruption reached approximately 900 meters; both drifted toward the southwest and south. The eruptions caused volcanic ash to settle in many surrounding towns and districts. The ash particles contaminated the air, water sources, and farmland, irritating the respiratory tract and posing health risks. The volcanic ash also reduced visibility, disrupting road traffic and regional air travel.