DPWH works to clear lahar-hit road in Negros Occidental town
Operations are being conducted to clear the road in Barangay Biak na Bato , La Castellana town from lahar which was triggered by heavy rains on Friday night. Photo by Office of the Civil Defense.
BACOLOD CITY – Heavy rainfall turned Kanlaon Volcano’s ashfall into lahar flow blocking a road along Sitio Tamburong in Barangay Biak-na-bato, La Castellana town in Negros Occidental on Saturday, May 24, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was conducting operations to clear the road following a lahar flow that happened on 1 a.m. after heavy rain on Friday night combined with the volcanic ash from recent eruptions of Kanlaon Volcano, said Donato Sermeno III, OCD Negros Island Region regional director.
“The accumulation of volcanic ash and the intense rains have resulted in flooding and mud-filled conditions along the road,” Sermeno said.
Kanlaon Volcano remains on Alert Level 3, which indicates a significant risk of a strong or violent eruption.
The ongoing volcanic activity, coupled with heavy rainfall, increases the potential for lahars—dangerous flows of volcanic debris mixed with water—particularly in low-lying areas and near waterways, an OCD statement said.
READ: Kanlaon emits 978 tons of sulfur dioxide; Alert Level 3 continues
Residents and motorists were strongly advised to exercise extra caution, stay alert, and follow safety advisories, it added.
Motorists are advised to take alternative routes and avoid the affected area, it added.
A vehicle has been stuck in lahar that affected a road in Sitio Tamburong in Barangay Biak-na-bato, La Castellana town in Negros Occidental. Heavy rains on Friday night (May 23) triggered a lahar flow after rainwater mixed with the volcanic ash from recent eruptions of Kanlaon Volcano (foreground). Photo by MJ Guardiano
Residents, particularly those living near waterways and low-lying areas, are strongly urged to exercise heightened caution and remain vigilant for possible further flooding or lahar flows, Sermono said, stressing that public safety is a top priority./jpv
