Heavy rains trigger Kanlaon lahar flow in Negros town

Heavy rains triggered a lahar flow in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday afternoon, forcing the evacuation of dozens of residents from vulnerable communities. The Philippine Red Cross reported that mud and volcanic debris surged down Ibid Creek at approximately 5:30 p.m., affecting Sitio Tamburong in Barangay. A total of 92 residents representing 27 families were moved from the high-risk area as a precautionary measure.

Mount Kanlaon, an active volcano on the island of Negros, poses an ongoing threat to nearby communities. Lahar flows—rapid currents of volcanic material mixed with water—can occur during heavy rainfall when precipitation combines with loose volcanic debris deposited on the volcano's slopes during previous eruptions.

Local authorities coordinated the evacuation to protect residents in zones susceptible to such natural hazards. The Philippine Red Cross provided assistance to affected families during the emergency response. No casualties were reported from the lahar flow, though families remain displaced as authorities assess conditions in the affected areas.

Rainy season conditions are expected to continue in the region, keeping volcanic communities on alert for potential additional lahar flows in the coming weeks.