The volcanic debris from Mt. Kanlaon in the upper part of Ibid Creek in Barangay Biak na Bato, La Castellana, has been washed down and cleared.
However the situation of residents living on the side of the creek is still a concern, Remuel Lajo, La Castellana Incident Command Team head, said Monday, Oct. 6.
About 60 families live on the side of the creek where rain is causing the soil to erode and depositing volcanic debris, Lajo said.
Nine families whose houses have been filled with sand have been evacuated, Lajo said,
The clearing of the lower part of the creek where the volcanic debris was washed down is ongoing to prevent flooding, he said.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said they still have not received an answer from Department of Environment and Natural Resources secretary on whether private firms can be allowed to clear the area.
In the meantime, the provincial government will continue to assist in the clearing operations, he said.
Lajo said the Department of Public Works and Highways Negros Island Region said it would send heavy equipment to help.*