• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Office of Civil Defense in Region 6 said Dec. 15 that 644,487 residents in 162 barangays across 13 cities and municipalities of Negros are at risk of lahar, or mudflow, from the Dec. 9 Mount Kanlaon eruption, following the intermittent rains the past few days.
The OCD6 released a map of potential lahar hazard flow areas in Negros Occidental endangering residents in the cities of Bago, La Carlota, and Himamaylan in Negros Occidental and Canlaon in Negros Oriental, as well as the towns of La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Isabela, Hinigaran, Binalbagan, Valladolid, San Enrique, Pulupandan, and Pontevedra.
“With an LPA expected to bring heavy rains in the coming days, populations at risk are strongly advised to stay away from river channels, streams, and areas identified in this map as lahar-prone; know the nearest evacuation center and be ready to move when advised; and to stay updated and monitor official weather updates from PAGASA and alerts from your LGU,” the OCD said in an advisory.
The Department of Health Negros Island Region also said Dec. 15 that its team has monitored lahar flow in areas where heavy ash has fallen.
“Lahar is a rapidly flowing thick mixture of volcanic materials, such as ash and rock fragments from an erupted volcano mixed with water,” DOH-NIR director Razel Nikka Hao said in a statement, adding the mudflow can be extremely destructive and can cause significant damage to property and loss of life.
She urged residents in areas likely to be affected by lahar to remain indoors, wear protective masks, avoid driving in heavy and active ash fall, and to wear long sleeves and long pants if outdoors as it can cause irritation of the eyes and airways; vomiting, dizziness, headaches, and rapid or difficulty breathing; and nasal and throat irritation and dry coughing. | CGC
