92 Evacuated in Negros Town as Rains Trigger Kanlaon Lahar Flow

Heavy rains on Tuesday afternoon caused a volcanic mudflow (lahar) from Mount Kanlaon to cascade down Ibid Creek in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, prompting the evacuation of 92 residents from 27 families in a nearby high-risk area. The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) reported that the lahar flow occurred around 5:30 p.m. in Sitio Tamburong, Barangay Ibid. This area is prone to the impacts of volcanic eruptions and associated natural hazards. The lahar flowed down the slopes of Mount Kanlaon, affecting areas along Ibid Creek. Evacuation efforts were carried out swiftly, prioritizing the safety of residents. The PRC has initiated support activities for the evacuated families. Mount Kanlaon is under the monitoring of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), with fluctuating activity levels. Recent eruptions and increased volcanic activity have consistently alerted surrounding communities. The occurrence of this lahar flow is believed to be a result of the combined effects of volcanic activity and meteorological conditions. In the Philippines, active volcanic activity and frequent heavy rains from typhoons heighten the risk of mudslides. Particularly in areas surrounding volcanoes, volcanic ash and lava can mix with rainwater, leading to large-scale lahar flows. The government is working to enhance early warning systems and evacuation plans for these natural disasters. This evacuation is a crucial measure to ensure the safety of local residents, and continued monitoring of volcanic activity and weather conditions remains essential.