• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Amid continuing rains, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) warned communities near waterways and low-lying areas of further flooding or lahar flows, following a mudflow on May 24 along the highway of Sitio Tamburong in Barangay Biak Na Bato, La Castellana, Negros Occidental.
Due to heavy rainfall over the past several days, stocked lahar overflowed into the highway of the barangay, making it not accessible for commuters for several hours.
This condition has been 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 OCD.
State weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported Sunday (May 25) that Negros Occidental will experience light to moderate rains and thunderstorms.
PAGASA advised local disaster councils to be alert for possible flashfloods.
Regional Director Donato Sermeno III of OCD-Negros Island Region said that about 150 meters of the highway were covered with thick sludge.
The affected highway is located within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone of Kanlaon Volcano.
Biak Na Bato barangay captain Joselito Martinez Jr. said that the highway had been rendered impassable since late Friday night.
The 300 residents living in the area are presently staying at the evacuation centers in the poblacion.
The Department of Public Works and Highways, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Red Cross, and other local government units have joined hands, in assisting the La Castellana municipal government in the clearing operations, which was completed at 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 flows were also monitored at the Intiguiwan River in Barangay Guinpanaan in the adjacent Moises Padilla town.
Alert Level 3 or magmatic unrest remains hoisted over the volcano. | GB
