• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Residents along the rivers in La Castellana and Moises Padilla towns have been alerted by local disaster councils of lahar flow due to thunderstorm being experienced in Negros Occidental.
It was reported on Friday that lahar flow was noticed at a river in Sitio San Luis, Barangay Sag-ang, La Castellana and Intiguiwan River in Moises Padilla as a result of heavy rains.
Residents of Purok Narra in Barangay Mansalanao, La Castellana also experienced temporary flooding.
Based on the advisory issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), heavy rainfall due to southwest monsoon will still be experienced in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental on Saturday until Monday.
The public and disaster risk reduction and management offices were advised by PAGASA to take all necessary measures to protect life and property.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported 26 volcanic quakes at the Kanlaon Volcano as of midnight of Thursday.
Alert Level 3 remains hoisted over Kanlaon Volcano.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD), which has presided over another National Task Force Kanlaon Meeting on June 5 at in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City, said the cooperation reflects the government’s proactive and coordinated efforts to face the challenges tied to Mt. Kanlaon’s activity.
Discussed during the meeting were issues that may arise from Kanlaon’s increased activity such as potential impacts on housing, infrastructure, health, the environment, and social welfare.
While the discussions are still in the planning phase, the multi-agency approach is proof of a strong sense of foresight and collaboration among government bodies, a statement from OCD said.
OCD further said the National Task Force Kanlaon initiative reinforces the administration’s commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s whole-of-government approach, where coordination, cooperation, and shared responsibility among national agencies are key to addressing challenges and safeguarding communities. | GB
