Locals worry over livelihoods after Kanlaon eruption

Mount Kanlaon's eruption caused residents of Negros Occidental's La Castellana town to worry about their livelihoods and livestock, as well as the problem of potable water.

In a GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas Aileen Pedreso's Friday 24 Oras report, Portunato Guzon of Barangay Biak Na Bato shared his experiences and the situation of his house as well as his small business that was destroyed by lahar a few days after Mount Kanlaon erupted.

“Malaki talagang perwisyo ang pagputok ng kanlaon," said Portunato.

The water supply in the barangay was also a problem because the river,  which is the community's water source, was possibly contaminated with sulfur spewed by the volcano.

Residents were thus waiting for potable water deliveries for cooking and drinking.

"Wala kaming inumin. Mayroong nagbigay ng tubig, hindi naman umabot sa amin," said resident Evaline.

Some residents were meanwhile worried about the livestock that was left behind when they were forced to evacuate when the volcano erupted on Monday.

The situation of the animals was what the Agriculture Department wanted to solve when they asked local governments to designate places where rescued animals could be cared for and fed.

Mount Kanlaon remained at Alert Level 2 on Friday.

According to the Kanlaon Volcano Observatory, it once again emitted a steam plume that reached 2,000 meters. Fourteen (14) tremors were also recorded around the volcano.

“Hindi tayo nag-increase ng  alert level. Ang ating monitoring parameters ay nagpapakita na sustained ang kanyang activity," said Kanlaon Volcano Observatory Resident Volcanologist Mari Andylene Quintia. — Sherylin Untalan/DVM, GMA Integrated News