BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The Office of Civil Defense-Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) clarified that emergency authorities have found no evidence or confirmation of any dam located near Kanlaon Volcano.
The official clarification comes in response to circulating online rumors regarding a potential dam collapse, which triggered public anxiety among surrounding communities. Disaster response agencies advised residents to remain calm and rely solely on official government channels for accurate information.
The statement coincided with the precautionary evacuation of 92 individuals, comprising 27 families, following the overflow of Ibid Creek in Barangay Biak na Bato, La Castellana, Negros Occidental, brought on by continuous light rains.
Local disaster management officials noted that volcanic materials from Kanlaon’s recent activity were swept downstream by heavy currents, causing floodwaters to inundate residential sections in Sitio Tamburong.
Early evaluations indicated that accumulated volcanic sediment and mud blocked the natural waterway, causing the creek to spill over and forcing heavy upstream currents to alter their path into nearby housing units.
OCD-NIR Regional Director Donato Sermeno II noted that another 24 families—totaling 71 residents—from Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, were temporarily relocated as a safety precaution after persistent rainfall generated muddy runoff from higher ground.
In response, the OCD-NIR is coordinating with partner agencies to execute aerial inspections to check if volcanic debris and seasonal rains have obstructed river channels or formed dangerous artificial dams that could threaten downstream areas.
Sermeno stated that the agency is partnering with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to conduct the aerial survey and verify reports regarding possible rain-induced blockage near the volcanic crater.
He urged vulnerable communities to stay vigilant and maintain direct communication with local officials for safety protocols and verified updates.