The Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Oriental erupted anew at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, demonstrating nature's formidable power. Despite the distance between Negros and Cebu, the effects were quickly felt across the region. Within hours, sudden class suspensions were declared in various areas, from Canlaon City, La Carlota City, and La Castellana in Negros to over 20 locations in Cebu, including Toledo, Balamban, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Cebu City.
Ash Reaches Cebu Across 151 Kilometers
This event brought back bitter memories of the past. For those who witnessed the historic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in Zambales on June 15, 1991, the sight of ash-covered vehicles and rooftops reached as far as Sta. Mesa, Manila, where I lived at the time, a distance of 125 kilometers. Now, the ash from Negros traveled 151 kilometers across the sea to reach Cebu. Toledo City was the first to be enveloped in ash, and even in Cebu City, newly cleaned vehicles were quickly dirtied again—a sign that this is the strongest eruption of Kanlaon since June 3, 2024.
Health Precautions Urged Amid Ashfall
Amid this crisis, the most important thing is preparation and health protection. As Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival warned, the public must wear face masks when going out, especially children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with respiratory illnesses, to avoid the more severe health effects of ash. Volcanic ash is not ordinary dust; it consists of fine glass and sharp particles that can damage the lungs. The fact that many of our fellow citizens are already seen wearing masks on the streets shows that we have learned from past disasters and pandemics.
A Serious Wake-Up Call
Kanlaon has been showing its anger for a long time. This latest eruption is a serious wake-up call. While we hope that rain will wash away the ash from our roofs and streets, as happened with Pinatubo before, the most important protection now is our discipline, concern for one another, and adherence to health advisories. Let us all be careful, because the volcano respects no boundaries or islands when it erupts.
