BACOLOD CITY – The local government of La Castellana in Negros Occidental, along with rescuers and other partners, is currently clearing roads blocked by lahar and debris that overflowed from a creek in Sitio Tamburong, Barangay Biak na Bato.
LAHAR hits La Castellana, Negros Occidental on May 24. (Photo via MJ Guardiano/FB)
The creek overflowed two weeks after the explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on May 13, which caused ashfall in parts of the province, including the town of La Castellana.
Remuel Lajo, public information officer of La Castellana, shared a video update on Saturday afternoon, May 24, showing the situation in the area, which was temporarily closed.
Lajo said that heavy rains from the upper barangay washed down accumulated ashfall, causing lahar to spill over from the creek.
This blocked a bridge and the stretch of Biak na Bato Highway, which has been completely closed to commuters since late Friday night, May 24.
While clearing operations continue, commuters were advised to use an alternate route through Barangay Cabacungan.
No residents were affected since they are already in evacuation centers as the area lies within the four to six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).
Lajo noted that a similar lahar overflow occurred following the volcano’s eruption on June 3, 2024.
The Office of Civil Defense has reminded residents to stay alert, as Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, indicating a continued risk of eruption.