The Department of Health in Western Visayas (DOH-6) is closely monitoring water sources in Negros Occidental’s La Castellana town for possible contamination after the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano earlier this month.

The DOH-6 reported concentrations of coliform bacteria from 13 water sources in the town near Kanlaon.

DOH-6 director Dr. Adriano Suba-an advised residents to refrain from drinking water from sources that had not been declared safe.

Suba-an said they will regularly monitor the water supply in the town to prevent an outbreak of diarrhea and other water-borne diseases.

DOH-6 has already chlorinated water sources.

Information dissemination was also conducted to educate residents on proper handwashing.

Meanwhile, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson directed the Provincial Health Office to also continuously monitor sources of potable water in La Castellana.

Lacson advised residents to avoid using their regular sources of water, until it is proven that it is already safe to use.

Earlier, he said the lack of drinking water in communities affected by a lahar flow from Kanlaon was a major concern after the contamination of bodies of water.

Nearby rivers and streams in La Castellana and La Carlota City were affected by lahar, volcanic waste and sulfur spewed by Kanlaon last June 3.

Residents have been warned to avoid getting water from rivers near the volcano.

In the town’s Barangay Biak na Bato, finding water sources became a challenge after the village was the most affected by the lahar flow.

Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 2, indicating that a phreatic eruption is possible and hazardous volcanic activities are ongoing.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology continues to monitor volcanic activities closely, and advises residents to remain vigilant and prepared for any potential hazards./WDJ