• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Police authorities implemented a forced evacuation of residents in Barangay Biak-na-Bato, La Castellana, Negros Occidental due to mud flow that rendered the national road impassable for several hours.
The muddy stream flow, which was likened to a lahar by residents, carried with it debris such as rocks, trees and other volcanic materials.
Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan said on Wednesday (June 5) she ordered the forced evacuation to ensure the safety of affected residents, who are now temporarily staying in schools in Barangay Cabacungan.
On Tuesday, the municipality of La Castellana in Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental, the local government units severely hit by ashfall and sulphuric fumes, following the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon Monday night, have been placed under the state of calamity.
Mangilimutan also dispatched heavy equipment to clear the road of mud flow.
About 141 families in Barangay Biak-na-Bato were forced to evacuate because of the mud flow.
This was on top of 232 affected families, composed of 978 persons, who are presently staying in different evacuation centers of La Castellana.
Resident volcanologist Mari-Andylene Quintia of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported heavy rains at the volcano top, which led to the cascading of water, mixed with volcanic debris, down into the rivers and streams in the lowlands.
Quintia debunked reports of another volcanic eruption, saying that it was thunder heard by residents because of the thunderstorm.
She added that thermal cameras have not recorded any eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, which remains at Alert Level 2.
Farm lands in six barangays of La Castellana located at the foot of volcano were almost covered by ashfall, which even reached three more barangays, Mangilimutan said.
Suspension of work in all government and agencies were ordered by Mangilimutan in La Castellana, and in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental by Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas, except those with functions that involve the delivery of basic services, disaster preparedness and response and other vital services.
Mangilimutan said she also coordinated with the Department of Trade and Industry for a freeze on prices of basic commodities, following the declaration of state of calamity in La Castellana.
More than 1,500 residents in three cities and three municipalities of central Negros fled their homes, shortly after the eruption on Monday night.
While the situation in Canlaon City is back to normal, Cardenas emphasized that restriction within the permanent four-kilometer danger zone be strictly observed.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who visited La Castellana on Wednesday, said that “all those moved to evacuation centers have been told to remain until Alert Level 2 will be downgraded”.
About 200 displaced residents of three barangays in neighboring La Carlota City are either staying at the evacuation centers, or with their relatives, according to a report of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. | GB
