• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Amid continuing rains, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) warned communities near waterways and low-lying areas of possible flooding and lahar flow, following a mudflow incident on Saturday along the highway of Sitio Tamburong in Barangay Biak Na Bato, La Castellana, Negros Occidental.
Due to heavy rainfall over the past several days, lahar overflowed into the highway of the barangay, making it inaccessible to commuters for several hours.
The condition was further aggravated by the accumulation of volcanic ash, resulting from ash emissions and several minor to moderate eruptions of Kanlaon Volcano since last year, according to the OCD.
The state weather bureau reported on Sunday that Negros Occidental will experience light to moderate rains and thunderstorms.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration also advised local disaster councils to be on alert for possible flash floods.
Donato Sermeno III, OCD regional director for Negros Island Region, disclosed that about 150 meters of the highway were covered with thick sludge. The affected highway is located within the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone of Kanlaon Volcano.
Biak Na Bato barangay captain Joselito Martinez Jr. reported that the highway had been rendered impassable since late Friday night.
The 300 residents living in the area are temporarily staying at the evacuation centers in La Castellana poblacion.
The Department of Public Works and Highways, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Red Cross, and other local government units have joined forces in assisting the La Castellana municipal government in clearing operations, which was completed past 3 p.m. Saturday.
“Exercise heightened caution and remain vigilant for possible further flooding or lahar flows. Public safety remains a top priority,” OCD said in an issued advisory.
Lahar flow was also monitored at the Intiguiwan River in Barangay Guinpanaan, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.
Alert Level 3, or magmatic unrest, remains hoisted over the volcano.*
