Rain triggers new muddy stream flow in Negros Occidental town

MORE DEBRIS Heavy rain triggers anew a muddy stream flow at Ibid Creek in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, shown here on Thursday, just days after the waterway was cleared of hardened ash that had caused flooding in the area early this month. —CHRISTOPER DORDE/CONTRIBUTOR

BACOLOD CITY—Clearing of Mt. Kanlaon’s debris that cascaded from the slopes of Mt. Kanlaon was hastened on Friday as mud flow and other volcanic refuse again accumulated beneath the bridge of Ibid Creek in Sitio Tamburong, Barangay Biak na Bato in La Castellana town, Negros Occidental, after heavy rain resumed on Thursday.

The muddy stream flow washed down more volcanic debris into the area beneath the bridge that had just been cleared of hardened ash this week, according to Remuel Lajo, head of the La Castellana Incident Management Team.

Lajo said it was fortunate that the creek was cleared last week of hardened ash, otherwise, the new mud flow could further constrict the waterway and cause the creek to overflow and trigger another flooding in the area.

On Friday, another round of clearing work had to be done all over again, he said.

Lajo said they would need additional help to speed up the clearing operation as more rain could still wash down more volcanic debris into the creek.

Help needed

There is a forecast for rain in Negros Occidental for Saturday. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, a low pressure area 335 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar would bring rains to the Visayas, Bicol Region, Caraga, Quezon, Romblon, Camiguinand Misamis Oriental.

The Negros Occidental provincial government’s heavy equipment were stationed near the creek on Friday but local government disaster response workers were hoping to also get help from the Department of Public Works and Highways to speed up work, he said.

Lajo said their target was to clear about 28,000 cubic meters from the creek to prevent flooding. As of Wednesday, 976 cubic meters has been cleared, he added.

By Friday afternoon, the creek was cleared of 1,172 cubic meters of volcanic debris, said Bel Ploteña, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head.

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson on Thursday said the provincial government would continue to help municipal workers in the clearing of the creek.

“We are doing our utmost best,” said Lacson, adding that other local government units could also help.

The governor also called for prayers that Kanlaon Volcano would continue to calm down after it emitted mild volcanic ash this week.