• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
The Office of the Civil Defense-Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) directed the preemptive evacuation of the residents of Sitio Tamburong in La Castellana who live near the Ibid Creek, whenever heavy rains pour.
OCD-NIR Director Donato Sermeno III reported yesterday that when heavy rain occurs, the hardened volcanic materials on the upper part of the Ibid creek continues to block the waterway, which results in flooding of the roads and areas near the creek.
According to him, the precautionary measure will remain in place until clearing operations are finished in sections of the creek blocked by volcanic debris, stressing that evacuations are essential to prevent casualties and property damage in the event of sudden flooding.
It was also reported that some sections of the creek have once again been obstructed after continuous rains, causing water to overflow and enter nearby homes, which can cause possible danger.
“Until the lahar deposits are fully removed and the water flow is stabilized, residents near the creek are advised to evacuate whenever heavy downpours occur,” he said.
As of press time, the OCD report stated that the flooding in the area has subsided as the clearing operation of the creek was still underway.
“Part of our KRDP (Kanlaon Recovery and Development Program) is to provide intervention on the Ibid Creek,” he stressed, citing that they advise the clearing operation to be done as soon as possible.
Furthermore, Sermeno said that on Sunday 17 families were forced to leave their homes due to flooding. Eight of those families temporarily stayed at the evacuation center in the Barangay Biak-na-Bato covered court, while nine others chose to stay with their relatives.
As rains are expected to continue in the coming days due to the southwest monsoon, local disaster risk reduction units, together with the provincial government and the OCD, are keeping a close watch on the situation.*
