• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
There is no artificial damming detected in the areas initially surveyed on the Negros Occidental side of Mt. Kanlaon, according to the Office of Civil Defense-Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR).
OCD-NIR information officer Mylene Gonzaga said the Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has conducted an initial aerial survey using a drone over several areas around Kanlaon.
The OCD-NIR is also awaiting the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to prepare for another drone flight, which is scheduled within the week.
Gonzaga said the MGB is expected to present its landslide inventory, which will help identify and propose additional areas for aerial inspection.
OCD-NIR is continuing its coordination among the Negros Occidental PDRRMO, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, MGB and OCD-Western Visayas while monitoring the situation around Kanlaon Volcano.
Earlier, the OCD-NIR dismissed social media reports about an alleged dam collapse at Mt. Kanlaon, saying that no dam has been identified or confirmed around the volcano to date.
The agency issued the clarification after reports circulating online caused concern among residents and communities near the volcano.
OCD-NIR urged the public to remain calm and rely only on verified information from authorities.
Artificial damming is a potential hazard in volcanic areas when loose volcanic ash, rocks and mud are washed downslope by heavy rains and temporarily block river channels or creeks.
Such blockages can be unstable and may release accumulated water and debris if they fail. | GPB
