The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Sunday, Dec. 15, warned of a potential lahar hazard flow from Mt. Kanlaon that could endanger 644,487 residents across 13 cities and municipalities on Negros Island.
The 13 areas are Bago City, La Carlota City, Pontevedra, Pulupandan, San Enrique, Valladolid, Binalbagan, Himamaylan City, Hinigaran, Isabela, La Castellana and Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.
Dr. Razel Nikka Hao, regional director of the Department of Health Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR), in a separate advisory on Sunday, also said their team monitored that lahar flow has started in some parts of Negros Occidental, particularly in areas where heavy ash has fallen following the Kanlaon eruption on Dec. 9.
Lahar is a rapidly flowing thick mixture of volcanic materials such as ash and rock fragments from an erupted volcano mixed with water. It can move at a speed up to 75 to 80 kilometers per hour on steep slopes and can cause significant damage to property and loss of life, the DOH advisory said.
LAHAR DANGERS
Lahar may cause irritation in the eyes and airways, cause vomiting, dizziness, headaches, and rapid or difficulty breathing, Hao said.
It can also cause nasal and throat irritation and dry coughing. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis may experience a more severe symptom, she added.
She advised the public to:
*Avoid areas near rivers or any body of water going down stream;
* Remain indoors and close windows and doors;
* Wear protective masks;
* Use goggles;
* Avoid driving during heavy and active ash fall;
* Wear long sleeves and long pants if you must go outdoors; and
* If experiencing any symptoms, immediately contact a doctor or visit the nearest health center.
“By following these health protocols during active lahar flow, you are not only protecting yourself but your family and the entire community,” Hao said.
RAIN LAHAR TRIGGERL
Lahar-like flow seen in Barangay Guinpanaan, Moises Padilla, on Sunday will be validated, Raul Fernandez, OCD 6 director, said.
The OCD said with a Low Pressure Area (LPA) expected to bring heavy rains in the coming days, populations at risk are strongly advised to stay updated by monitoring official weather updates from PAGASA and alerts from their LGU.
They should also know where the nearest evacuation center is, be ready to move when advised, and stay away from river channels, streams and areas identified as lahar-prone, the OCD said.
The OCD said with the expected rains, the risk of ashfall turning into lahar flow increases.
There are about 3 million metric tons of ash deposits from the Dec. 9 Mt. Kanlaon volcanic eruption that could be washed down to nearby villages by rain, the OCD said.
This is three times greater than the 1 million metric tons of ash deposits recorded during the previous eruption on June 3, it said.
This map highlights potential lahar hazard flow areas, the OCD said.*
14.8K EVACUEES
There were 14,812 residents in evacuation centers in three cities and one town in Negros Island on Sunday, the OCD reported.
The evacuees in Negros Occidental are 11,035 with 8,188 in La Castellana, 2,465 in La Carlota City and 382 in Bago City.
There are 3,777 evacuees in Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.
Face to face classes in the affected areas have been suspended.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION
Task Force Kanlaon has issued a mandatory evacuation order for families residing within the 6-kilometer PDZ to ensure public safety.
The order comes in light of increased volcanic activity, prompting authorities to act swiftly to protect residents from potential hazards, the OCD said.
The affected areas include La Castellana, La Carlota City, Bago City, San Carlos City, and Canlaon City.
Residents who have not yet evacuated are urged to comply with the order to avoid any risks associated with possible re-eruptions or a worst-case scenario of a violent eruption, the OCD said.
“The urgency of this order cannot be overstated, families are reminded that evacuating now is crucial for their safety, “ the OCD said*