• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
To provide a long-term solution to the problems facing the residents during rain, the Office of Civil Defense–Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) sought the relocation of at least nine houses situated near the Ibid Creek in Sitio Tamburong, Barangay Biak-na-bato, La Castellana.
Following the continuous accumulation of volcanic sediments from Mt. Kanlaon, OCD-NIR Director Donato Sermeno III said yesterday that debris flow from the volcano has blocked portions of the creek, which caused the water to divert toward residential areas near the creek.
It was reported that when there is heavy rainfall, the surge of water and sediments has already entered households, a reason that triggered the OCD-NIR to push for relocation.
Sermeno confirmed that the affected families are willing to be relocated after they were asked their decision regarding the matter.
“These families are frequently subjected to preemptive evacuation whenever heavy rains occur. We have already spoken with them, and they have expressed readiness to be relocated,” Sermeno said.
The department cited that the proactive relocation measures are critical to ensuring the safety and welfare of residents since La Castellana remains one of the most affected towns by the ongoing volcanic activity of Mt. Kanlaon.
Authorities reported that one house near the creek has already been abandoned after being completely filled with debris, while another is at risk of being washed away due to soil erosion along the creek.
“More households may eventually need relocation as the erosion continues and the soil beneath homes becomes unstable,” Sermeno added.*
