Residents in La Castellana sitios evacuated as lahar flows from Kanlaon


BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan imposed forced evacuation in several sitios in Barangay Bi-ak na Bato, La Castellana, Negros Occidental on Wednesday, June 5, following mudflow or lahar from the Kanlaon Volcano eruption.

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LAHAR floods a road on June 5 in Barangay Bi-ak na Bato, La Castellana, Negros Occidental after the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano. (Photo courtesy of MJ Guardiano)

Mangilimutan visited the area to check the situation of residents and the extent of the mudflow which caused the road to be impassable.

Debris from the eruption on Monday, June 3, such as ash and rocks were washed away by strong water current after a rainfall.

Mangilimutan urged residents to be cautious.

“We don’t know the density and volume of the mud flow,” Mangilimutan said as she directed barangay officials and rescuers to prevent people from going closer to the affected area for their safety.

She told residents of Barangay Masulog and Cabagna-an as well as those situated near rivers to be on alert.

The mayor assured the residents that the necessary assistance will be provided to them.

Canlaon Mayor Jose Cardenas also visited the town and met Mangilimutan.