• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported a weak ash emission at the Kanlaon summit crater, which started at 5:25 p.m. yesterday.
The activity produced a low plume that drifted west-southwest directions.
Alert Level 2 prevails over Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island.
The Office of Civil Defense-Negros Island Region urged residents of surrounding communities to remain alert at all times.
At least 100 families residing within the four-kilometer permanent danger zone in La Castellana, Negros Occidental and Canlaon City, Negros Oriental are still staying in evacuation centers as they are no longer allowed to return to their respective homes due to the continuing restiveness of the volcano.
Meanwhile, the clearing of hardened lahar in Tamburong Creek of Barangay Biak na Bato, La Castellana, Negros Occidental may take time.
Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief John de Asis said yesterday that about 35 truckloads of volcanic sand and gravel have already been removed and transferred to a disposal site at the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park station after the clearing operation started last week.
De Asis estimated that less than one percent of about 25,000 cubic meters of sand and other volcanic materials have been extracted near the bridge of Tamburong Creek.
“We still have over a kilometer of the creek to clear. Currently, backhoes are only able to clear the area near the bridge,” he added.
Hardened lahar deposits in the rivers of La Castellana have been identified as a major contributor to recent flood events.
De Asis expressed concern that heavy rains could further impede the already slow progress.
Local officials are appealing to government agencies for increased support to expedite the removal of lahar and protect vulnerable communities from the threat of flooding.
De Asis said he is hoping and praying that there should be no heavy rains in La Castellana for the clearing operation to continue without hitches. | GB
