Residents of La Castellana, Negros Occidental, living near creeks and rivers that have been filed with hardened lahar from Mt. Kanlaon are calling for urgent government action.
The dredging of these waterways is being sought amid expected heavy rains that could cause flooding.
The water at Tamburong Creek in Brgy. Biak na Bato, La Castellana, which has been filled with hardened lahar, was reported to be overflowing on Monday, August 25.
La Castellana town has cancelled classes at all levels Tuesday due to the forecasted heavy rains, the town government announced on its Facebook page Monday night.
The Protected Area Management Board of the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park is seeking clearance from Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla to dredge rivers and creeks within the volcano’s protected area that have been affected by hardened lahar.
Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Negros Island Region, earlier said the waterways in La Castellana and La Carlota City, need to be cleared of hardened lahar to prevent flooding that could endanger low-lying communities.*