• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Residents along the rivers of La Castellana and Moises Padilla have been alerted by local disaster councils of lahar flow, due to thunderstorms in Negros Occidental.
It was reported on Friday that as a result of heavy rains, lahar flow was noticed at a river in Sitio San Luis, Barangay Sag-ang, La Castellana, and Intiguiwan River in Moises Padilla.
Residents of Purok Narra in Barangay Mansalanao, La Castellana also experienced temporary flooding yesterday.
Based on the advisory issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, heavy rainfall due to the southwest monsoon will be experienced in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental from Saturday until Monday.
The public and disaster risk reduction and management offices were advised by the state weather bureau to take all necessary measures to protect life and property.
On the other hand, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported 26 volcanic quakes at the Kanlaon Volcano, as of midnight of Thursday.
Alert Level 3 remains hoisted over Kanlaon Volcano.
Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) presided over another National Task Force Kanlaon Meeting on June 5 at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City, which reflects the government’s proactive and coordinated efforts to face the challenges tied to Mt. Kanlaon’s activity.
Discussed during the meeting were issues that may arise from Kanlaon’s increased activity, such as potential impacts on housing, infrastructure, health, the environment, and social welfare.
While the discussions are still in the planning phase, the multi-agency approach is proof of a strong sense of foresight and collaboration among government bodies, a statement from OCD said.
Spearheaded by Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, the meeting involved top officials and representatives from several government agencies to lay the groundwork for comprehensive inter-agency planning.
The meeting was also attended by representatives of the Departments of Public Works and Highways, Social Welfare and Development, Environment and Natural Resources, Human Settlements and Urban Development, Health, and Interior and Local Government.
OCD further said that the National Task Force Kanlaon initiative reinforces the administration’s commitment to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s whole-of-government approach, where coordination, cooperation, and shared responsibility among national agencies are key to addressing challenges and safeguarding communities.
With OCD at the helm, the government continues to unify efforts, strengthen institutional preparedness, and deliver timely, effective responses in the face of disasters, it added.*
