Lahar clearing in La Castellana continues despite rains

By Dolly Yasa

LA CASTELLANA, Negros Occidental — Lahar clearing operations in La Castellana are proceeding as scheduled despite intermittent rains in Negros Occidental, according to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

MDRRMO head John de Asis told reporters over the weekend that volcanic debris deposited in Ibid Creek, Sitio Tamburong, Barangay Biak-na-Bato, remains stable.

This assurance came after residents, particularly in Banwa, raised concerns about possible effects of continued rainfall.

De Asis explained that while heavy rains are typically expected in July, the moderate to heavy downpours recorded in September — especially on the upper slopes of Mount Kanlaon — are being closely monitored.

He noted that lahar deposits, locally known as “ipankali,” which had been cleared earlier, tend to resurface following continuous rain.

De Asis also said about 300 families residing within the 6-kilometer extended permanent danger zone of Kanlaon Volcano in La Castellana have expressed willingness to be relocated.

He added that an 8.6-hectare private property in Barangay Talaptap, La Castellana, is set to be purchased by the provincial government to house internally displaced persons who can no longer return to their homes within the 4-kilometer permanent danger zone.

De Asis said the transaction for the lot payment is ongoing and will be followed by land preparation for site development.

Data from the La Castellana Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office showed that 61 families, or 213 individuals, are still staying in four evacuation centers.

They are all from areas located within the 4-kilometer danger zone.

Each of the 300 households to be resettled on the 8.6-hectare lot may also be allocated farm lots for cultivation.