Lahar flows from Kanlaon Volcano trigger evacuations in Negros

Heavy rains triggered lahar flows on Kanlaon Volcano on Tuesday, prompting 167 residents in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental to evacuate their homes, an Office of Civil Defense official said Wednesday. The OCD requested a drone survey to assess volcanic debris for potential blockages. OCD Negros Island Region Director Donato Sermeno III warned that collapsing temporary debris dams could unleash deadly flash floods, comparing the risk to landslide-blocked rivers in Nepal. The flooding threat forced 71 people to evacuate in Canlaon City and 96 in La Castellana. While most residents began returning home Wednesday, Sermeno urged communities in lahar-prone areas to remain vigilant and follow preemptive evacuation orders. The drone survey aims to identify blockages and enable preventive measures.