BACOLOD CITY – Cloud seeding operations in Negros Occidental have been temporarily put on hold amid the threat of lahar or mudflow in La Castellana town due to the Kanlaon Volcano eruption.

In a media interview, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said they were ready to start the cloud seeding to induce more rain as many planters still wanted more rain, but after what happened to Mount Kanlaon, they decided to postpone it in the meantime.

A Philippine Air Force personnel prepares salt for in an aircract be used for cloud seeding. (Photo courtesy of United Sugar Producers Federation)

Barangay Bi-ak na Bato in La Castellana town was greatly affected by lahar after the eruption on June 3.

Heavy rains washed away ashes and debris of rocks from the volcano down to the riverways on June 5 which posed a threat to thousands of residents in the town.

“There’s a tendency that lahar will continue if there’s heavy rainfall, that’s why we put it on hold,” Lacson said.

Lacson said they will have to seek guidance from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) regarding the status of the volcano and the possibility of another lahar.

“All we wanted was to intensify the rain, but unfortunately Mount Kanlaon erupted,” he added.

Lacson visited the town again to check how the provincial government can continue to help the local government of La Castellana due to the number of evacuees affected by the eruption.

“I wanted to check if there’s a possibility of sending some evacuees home. But, if they don’t feel comfortable yet, status quo will remain,” the governor said.

The town was placed under a state of calamity on June 4, a day after the eruption.

Lacson thanked all local government units (LGUs), the Philippine Red Cross, and other stakeholders who sent trucks to provide water, particularly drinking water, to affected residents.

He noted that drinking water is needed by evacuees.