Lahar From Kanlaon Blocks La Castellana Roads, Now Cleared

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By Glazyl M. Jopson and Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Roads in Barangay Biak na Bato, La Castellana, Negros Occidental, are now passable after being blocked by lahar and mudflow triggered by heavy rains late Friday night.

The lahar overflow came from a creek in Sitio Tamburong after ashfall from Kanlaon Volcano’s May 13 eruption was washed down by rain, according to Public Information Officer Remuel Lajo.

The debris blocked a bridge and the Biak na Bato Highway, prompting authorities to temporarily close the road to all traffic.

No residents were harmed, as communities within the four to six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone had been evacuated earlier.

Municipal workers, volunteers from nearby local governments, and teams from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Public Works and Highways, and Philippine Red Cross cleared the affected road network on Saturday.

Fifth District Rep. Dino Yulo directed the DPWH to assist in the clearing operations as soon as he learned of the incident.

The Office of Civil Defense Western Visayas reported the blockage was worsened by volcanic ash accumulation from several minor to moderate Kanlaon eruptions since last year.

The affected road serves as an alternate route to Canlaon City, and motorists were advised to take detours during the closure.

Residents near waterways and low-lying areas were urged to stay alert for possible further flooding or lahar flow, as public safety remains a top priority.

Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, indicating ongoing unrest and the potential for further explosive activity.

Lajo said a similar lahar overflow was recorded following Kanlaon’s June 3, 2024 eruption.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned of potential eruption risks due to a continued decline in sulfur dioxide emissions.

Mary Andelene Quintia, resident volcanologist at the Kanlaon Observatory, said sulfur dioxide emissions have dropped below 1,000 tons per day since earlier this week.

Phivolcs recorded sulfur dioxide levels of 978 tons on May 22 and 653 tons on May 20, along with 18 volcanic quakes on May 23.

“This could indicate that the volcanic conduit is plugged, which may result in pressure buildup and possible eruptive activity,” Quintia said.

She noted that previous eruptions, including the most recent one on May 13, were preceded by similar drops in sulfur dioxide output.

In a related update, police units in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental joined a nationwide inspection of disaster response equipment conducted by the Philippine National Police.

Bacolod City Police Office Director Col. Joeresty Coronica emphasized the need for preparedness and efficient response during natural calamities.

Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region Director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay led the inspection at the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office headquarters.