By JEN BAYLON

The Binalbagan River, which flows through the towns of La Castellana, Moises Padilla and Isabela in Negros Occidental, remains muddy and turbid following the minor explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on May 13.

John de Asis, head of the La Castellana Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, reported that the river and its tributaries in their town and neighboring areas have yet to clear up.

The ash and volcanic debris continue to mix with the river water, causing persistent murkiness.

De Asis said after the early morning eruption on May 13, heavy rains fell in the afternoon, washing volcanic ash into the river system.

He noted that the volume of ash emitted during the May 13 eruption was significantly greater compared to previous ash emissions on February 6 and April 8.

Frequent afternoon and nighttime rains continue to wash ash deposits into the waterways, prolonging the muddy condition of the streams.

This ongoing turbidity has adversely affected the local fish populations and disrupted the daily activities of residents, including washing clothes in the river.

Earlier, the Office of Civil Defense in Western Visayas (OCD-6) reported that muddy stream flows from Kanlaon Volcano’s recent ashfall have clouded waterways in La Castellana, posing serious health and environmental risks.

“Residents are advised to boil all drinking water and avoid consuming fish from affected rivers,” the OCD-6 said in a statement.

“Those living near the riverbanks should remain vigilant for sudden changes in water levels or flow. Stay safe and follow official advisories,” it added./JB, WDJ