• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) clarified on Thursday that the light haze experienced in Cebu and other areas of the country did not originate from Kanlaon volcano in Negros Island.
Engr. Mari-Andylene Quintia, resident volcanologist of the PHIVOLCS Observatory in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, disclosed that they have received reports of haze being observed in Luzon, aside from Cebu, possibly caused by the typhoon that is entering the country.
What is being experienced in Cebu is not vog, or volcanic smog, Quintia pointed out.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Visayas has confirmed the presence of light haze in Cebu, since November 13, which may prevail until Friday, Nov. 15.
The state weather bureau PAGASA explained that the haze, or the pollution suspended in the air, was caused by thermal inversion.
If there is a volcanic smog, also known as vog, it may cause eye, throat, and nose irritation, Quintia said. But she added they have not received such reports, as of this time.
Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer Joe Recalex reported that hazy visibility being experienced in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, was blamed on vog caused by Mt Kanlaon.
Recalex has advised residents, especially those in areas affected by the vog, to wear face masks when outdoors, particularly those who have high risk to respiratory ailments like asthma and others.
Quintia said the likelihood of vog is possible in San Carlos City, as it is near Kanlaon Volcano.
Over the past 24 hours, PHIVOLCS reported continuing degassing with occasional ash emission, as high as 1,000 meters, at Kanlaon volcano. It also recorded 13 volcanic quakes as of Nov. 14.*
