Residents warned against drinking water sourced near Kanlaon Volcano

The long queue of water containers is apparent in Barangay Cabagnaan, La Castellana town, Province of Negros Occidental.

With the use of a water hose, residents source out water from Cadujada spring. Residents avoid getting water from the river near Mount Kanlaon after the volcano’s eruption on June 3, 2024 and lahar flow on June 5, 2024.

“Dati sa taas ng bulkan ang source ng tubig. Dahil nag-erupt ang bulkan, itinigil na,” Glenn Gulvio, a resident, said.

In Barangay Biaknabato that is the most affected by the lahar, water source becomes a challenge. The barangay has started looking for other water sources safe from contamination.

“Huwag na munang uminom sa pinagkukunan namin ng inuming tubig. Hindi namin alam kung safe ang tubig ngayon,” Barangay Biaknabato Chairman Joselito Martinez Jr. said.

Residents are on a cleanup with the help of heavy equipment provided by the local government unit (LGU) after lahar spilled from the river onto the road.

Meanwhile, a spring in Sitio Guintubdan, Barangay Ara-al in upland La Carlota City turned turquoise (blue-green hue) reportedly because of the level of sulfur in the water after the eruption on June 3, 2024.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanoloy and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is focused tightly on the activities of the volcano.

“Medyo heightened pa rin ang ating activity. Ang plume na ibinubuga niya, it reaches up to 1500 meters pa rin,” said Engr. Mari Andylene Quintia, resident volcanologist at Kanlaon Volcano Observatory.

PHIVOLCS said that the occurrence of another lahar flow is possible should rain persist in the area.

Further, in a response cluster meeting of various government agencies and affected LGUs, measures were tackled should the alert hoisted over Kanlaon Volcano be raised to Alert Level 3.

"Tinitingnan po natin dito yung contingency plan ng probinsya in connection with the eruption. Titingnan ho kung paano po tayo mag-adjust para maging responsive sa sitwasyon,” Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) 6 Director Raul Fernandez said.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson directed assurance of help especially to affected residents of the province.

“When we say level 3, may massive evacuation. We cannot also predict kung we will have a second eruption,” Governor Lacson said.

Further, residents in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental affected by the phreatic eruption have already reached 880 individuals. They received assistance from GMA Kapuso Foundation on June 6, 2024.

Beneficiaries have expressed deep appreciation for the food packs received. —GMA Regional TV