By CESAR JOLITO III
The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park has asked Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla to approve the immediate clearing of lahar-clogged waterways inside the protected area, warning that inaction could lead to flooding in low-lying communities.
Engineer Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya, assistant regional director for technical services of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Negros Island Region (DENR-NIR), said heavy rains could trigger dangerous overflows as volcanic debris continues to block rivers and creeks within the park.
“Clogged waterways are a serious hazard, especially during strong rainfall,” Gerangaya said.
The PAMB-MKNP passed a resolution endorsing the dredging of hardened lahar during a recent meeting in Negros Occidental’s Bago City.
The debris, including large boulders, flowed into Barangay Biak na Bato’s Sitio Tamburong in La Castellana town following rains brought by Severe Tropical Storm “Crising” and the southwest monsoon.
However, Gerangaya noted that the board cannot authorize dredging or quarrying inside the protected area without clearance from the DENR, especially if local governments intend to move lahar outside for use as filling material.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau has been asked to assess the volume of hardened lahar deposits to guide any clearing operations.
Officials warn that until the waterways are cleared, downstream communities remain vulnerable to flooding when the rainy season intensifies.
Over 60 displaced families return home in La Carlota
After eight months in evacuation centers, 61 families or 225 individuals displaced by Kanlaon Volcano’s eruption in Negros Occidental’s La Carlota City have finally returned home to Sitio Guintubdan in Barangay Ara-al, following the lowering of the volcano’s alert status.
The internally displaced persons were evacuated when Kanlaon’s alert level was raised to Level 3, forcing them to leave their homes due to the heightened risk of eruption.
The La Carlota City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office transported evacuees back to their homes, which are in the six-kilometer danger zone.
Police personnel and the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Negros Island Region assisted in their decampment to ensure a safe and orderly return.
La Carlota City Mayor Jose Luis Jalandoni said each family received galvanized iron (GI) sheets for roofing and P1,800 in cash assistance to help them rebuild their houses.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Bago City, 22 families or 81 individuals are scheduled to return home this Saturday, August 16.
Bago City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Dr. Merijene Ortizo said a bayanihan effort will be conducted to help repair the damaged houses of the returning families.
Each will receive pre-painted GI sheets and P10,000 in financial aid.
Temporary shelters that serve as evacuation housing will be maintained by the CDRRMO for future use in case of emergencies./CJ, WDJ