Ada-spawned rain sparks fears for Kanlaon evacuees in Negros Occidental shelters

Most of the Kanlaon evacuees have already spent two Christmases in short-term shelters

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Heavy rain introduced by Tropical Storm Ada (Nokaen) has revived fears for practically 2,000 households nonetheless residing in evacuation facilities, some for greater than a 12 months, in La Castellana, Negros Occidental.

Most of the evacuees have already spent two Christmases in short-term shelters.

Information from the Workplace of Civil Protection-Negros Island Area (OCD-NIR) present that La Castellana continues to be offering refuge to just about 2,000 displaced households: 64 who fled the Kanlaon Volcano eruption on June 3, 2024, and round 1,900 who had been displaced throughout and after Storm Tino (Kalmaegi) in November 2025.

The Kanlaon evacuees can not return residence as a result of their homes lie inside the volcano’s four-kilometer everlasting hazard zone. The Tino evacuees, whose properties had been washed out by flash floods, stay in faculties and different short-term shelters.

OCD-NIR Director Donato Sermeno III expressed concern for the evacuees amid the current downpours, noting the storm has reignited fears of one other catastrophe amongst households who’ve been residing in evacuation facilities for a while.

Though Negros Occidental isn’t among the many areas immediately hit by Ada, Sermeno mentioned extended sturdy winds stay a priority.

He mentioned the potential for lahar flows or flash floods can also be a menace for residents residing close to Kanlaon Volcano.

Kanlaon has proven notable exercise prior to now two days, with a collection of volcanic tectonic earthquakes accompanied by ash emissions. On Thursday, January 15, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) La Carlota Metropolis Observatory Station recorded 46 volcanic tectonic earthquakes (VTEs), down from 78 on Wednesday, January 14.

Phivolcs has positioned Kanlaon Volcano again at Alert Stage 2 and beneficial heightened vigilance in pre-determined hazard zones.

Heavy rainfall can set off post-eruption lahars by eroding unfastened materials from pyroclastic density present deposits and ashfall, or non-eruption lahars from landslide-exposed areas weakened by Storm Tino.

Communities alongside river and creek channels in Bago Metropolis, La Carlota Metropolis, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, and San Carlos Metropolis in Negros Occidental, in addition to Canlaon Metropolis in Negros Oriental, could also be affected by lahars, sediment-laden flows, and associated flooding.

With the continuing volcanic exercise, Sermeno warned, “We can’t be complacent once more. It’s higher to be ready than to be sorry later.”

Remuel Lajo, the city’s data officer, mentioned authorities are in a “wait and see” stance, however the city’s Incident Administration Staff (IMT) is prepared for any emergency.

La Castellana Vice Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan expressed empathy for evacuees. Apart from the shortage of funds to maintain their wants, she mentioned she was involved about how they might return to normalcy.

The city authorities, she mentioned, doesn’t have the capability to supply everlasting relocation websites with livelihood alternatives, leaving evacuees depending on provincial and nationwide authorities help.

The provincial authorities has bought an 8.5-hectare lot in Barangay Talaptap for everlasting relocation, however growth and modular housing set up are nonetheless pending, Sermeno mentioned.

Officers from the Departments of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Human Settlements and City Improvement (DHSUD), Social Welfare and Improvement (DSWD), and OCD have performed ocular inspections and can carry out a post-disaster wants evaluation earlier than finalizing the switch. – Rappler.com