The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, advised residents affected by the recent explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island to wear face masks and safety goggles to protect themselves from the health risks posed by ashfall. 

In a report on GMA News Online, DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said that the ideal face mask to help protect the lungs from the fine and tiny particles from ashfall is N95, but people could also use alternatives.

“Pwede rin naman po ang medical mask or kung wala hong mask, kahit anong tela na pwede nating basain nang konti ng malinis na tubig at itakip sa ating ilong at bibig,” Domingo said in a Balitanghali interview. 

“Sa mata, gumamit ho tayo ng goggles kung meron po tayo. Kung wala po, gumamit ng salamin, or kung nasa loob tayo ng isang kwarto at naabutan tayo, isarado na natin 'yung mga bintana at 'yung mga pintuan, 'yung mga siwang lagyan ng mga tela para hindi pumasok ang abo habang ito ay nahuhulog,” he added. 

Kanlaon Volcano had an explosive eruption early morning on April 8, 2025. Alert Level 3 remains hoisted, signaling an intensified or magmatic unrest.

Ashfall were reported in Negros Occidental following the explosive eruption, including Barangay Sag-Ang in La Castellana; Barangays Yubo and Ara-al in La Carlota; as well as Bago City.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on April 9, 2025 said it is expecting more evacuees amid the intense ashfall in the area, the report added. 

Currently, there are over 2,000 families temporarily residing in evacuation centers. 

The DOH also called on residents who have existing medical conditions or those who have difficulty in breathing to abide by the call of authorities and evacuate as necessary. 

“Ang pinakamabisang gawin para sa nahihirapang huminga ay kung kaya, umalis doon sa lugar. Kaya nga ang dapat ho dito 'pag sinabi ng ating local government doon sa Negros Island Region, 'pag sinabi nila na mag-evacuate, sila kasi nakakaalam kung saan 'yung takbo nung hangin ayon na rin sa PHIVOLCS at PAGASA,” Domingo said. 

Under Alert Level 3, evacuation from the six-kilometer radius around the volcano’s summit is recommended. 

Possible hazards that may occur include sudden explosive eruption, lava flow or effusion, ashfall, pyroclastic density current, rockfall, and lahars during heavy rains.