Sunday, January 12, 2020
What you need to know about Ashfall?
Metro Manila and nearby provinces are currently experiencing ashfall due to the phreatic eruption of Taal Volcano. A phreatic eruption, also called a phreatic explosion, ultravulcanian eruption or steam-blast eruption, occurs when magma heats groundwater or surface water.
Ashfall was felt in Las Pinas roughly an hour after the initial eruption of Taal Volcano this afternoon. I was out in our garden working on stuff when I initially felt dust falling. I found it odd because whoever feels dust falling on them?
So, why doe it matter if there is ashfall?
Volcanic ash is abrasive, making it an irritant to eyes and lungs. Ashfall can cause minor to major damage to vehicles and buildings, contaminate water supplies, disrupt sewage and electrical systems, and damage or kill vegetation.
Acidic ash can also damage vegetation, leading to crop failure. In most eruptions, volcanic ash causes relatively few health problems, but generates much anxiety. People can be more fearful of the health hazards of volcanic ash and gases than of the risk of dying from more major hazards, such as pyroclastic flows.
So what do you need to know?
1. Cover your nose and mouth. If you can get an N95 mask, better. If not, get the surgical mask. You can put 2 layers of tissue between your face and a regular Dura mask. This improves the ability to filter tiny dust particles up to about 75 – 90%, almost the same as an N95 mask. You can also use wet wipes instead of tissue.
2. Make sure you are updated. Listen to the news and check on Twitter to know what's happening.
3. Close all windows and doors. Even if you have a screen door, the dust are microparticles that can go through even screen doors.
4. Cover your food. Wash it before cooking.
5. Wear glasses or goggles. Use an umbrella when going outside to minimize dust particles on your body and head. Wear a jacket too because the micro ashes can cause skin irritation.
6. As much as possible, make sure that your pets are in a safe space.
7. Drive slowly or better yet, do not go out unless absolutely necessary.
8. Damp clothing will be your best friend. Have one nearby to ensure you have something to breathe on in case you don't have a face mask.
If there are elderly people in the house or babies, make sure you put damp clothing in the cracks of your door and windows to ensure their safety.
9. Make sure you clear your roof of ash. Ashfall can easily escalate in terms of heaviness. Dust it off every few hours or so. Do not wash it off. It will harden and clog your gutters and sewers.
10. Humidifers and diffusers help clean the air. Put some peppermint essential oils to help you breathe better.
11. If you feel pain when breathing after being exposed to ashfall, consult a doctor immediately.
Stay safe everyone! Pray hard.
PS. Get this type of N95 mask if possible. It has filters for added security.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
You know, it is obvious that being exposed to ashfall is dangerous but I had no idea it is that much! Thanks a lot for the info, stay safe.
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad you are sharing the best information to stay safe. Hope everything gets better soon!
ReplyDeleteI am a bit relieved that the ashes did not reach Manila that much but are still fervently praying for those who are in critical situations. May the Lord keep everyone safe.
ReplyDeleteVery important tips - thanks for sharing. I hope you and your loved ones stay safe and don't get injured.
ReplyDeleteWow..sorry you guys are experiencing that. I'd love to see a volcano in real life, but not when there's ashfall..LOL Thanks for sharing your tips.
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine how hard it must be to live so close to an erupting volcano. Your advice is very useful, ash is so dangerous, especially for the lungs.
ReplyDeleteThese are all great tips and important things to keep in mind. Thank you for sharing. I learned a lot x
ReplyDeleteLiving in a country frequented by natural calamities, it is important that we are prepared for any emergency. We do have N95 masks which we bought last year and kept in our go-bags. I hope the volcano would calm down and I pray that the evacuees would still be able to rise up from this calamity.
ReplyDeleteStay safe this festive season.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information about ashfall in advance.