The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park will seek clearance from the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to dredge rivers and streams within the volcano’s protected area that have been affected by hardened lava.
DENR Negros Island Region Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services, Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya, said the rivers and streams need to be cleared of hardened lava because the blocked waterways could cause flooding that will affect nearby communities.
“The situation is dangerous,” he said, adding that this was discussed during Monday’s meeting with PAMB and DENR officials.
“It’s dangerous if it rains heavily, because the waterways are full,” Gerangaya warned.
Gerangaya said many rivers and streams need to be dredged, and they have requested the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to assess the volume.
In some rivers, solidified lahars have almost leveled the riverbank, he said.
These rivers and streams are located in La Castellana and La Carlota City.
The approval of the dredging request is under the Office of the Governor.
However, because the rivers and streams to be dredged are within the protected area of Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park (MKNP), they require clearance from the DENR Secretary before any action can be taken.
This is why the PAMB issued a resolution to request it, Gerangaya explained.*