(Photo from OCD-Negros Island Region)
The Office of Civil Defense-Negros Island Region has dismissed social media claims of a dam collapse at Kanlaon Volcano, saying no dam has been identified or confirmed in the area.
In an advisory issued Friday, OCD-NIR urged residents to remain calm and rely only on verified information from authorities as it prepares to conduct an aerial survey with other government agencies.
The survey will determine whether recent volcanic activity and monsoon rains caused blockages in waterways or created possible artificial dams that could increase the risk of downstream flooding.
The operation will begin once the Mines and Geosciences Bureau identifies the areas to be inspected.
On Sept. 15, muddy stream flows from the upper slopes of Kanlaon were observed following heavy rains, prompting the evacuation of at least 51 families or 167 people from La Castellana in Negros Occidental and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.
In Barangay Biak na Bato, La Castellana, authorities said no rain was recorded in the community itself, but rainfall in higher elevations caused muddy water to swell and move toward low-lying areas.
OCD-NIR Director Donato Sermeno III earlier advised residents in flood- and mudflow-prone areas to follow local government advisories and evacuate preemptively when warnings are issued.
