La Castellana under calamity due to Mount Kanlaon eruption

The town of La Castellana in Negros Occidental has been placed under a state of calamity following the eruption of Mount Kanlaon and subsequent lahar flows.

Heavy rains washed out ash fragments deposited during the June 3 eruption, causing cement-like flooding along streets and turning Baji-Baji falls grayish.

Residents are facing concerns over livelihoods and livestock left behind after evacuating, as well as a shortage of potable water due to potential contamination from volcanic sulfur.

Eight barangays have been affected, with around 200 residents currently staying in an evacuation center due to urgent water needs, while some worry about the welfare of their animals left behind.

Office of Civil Defense VI Regional Director Raul Fernandez has requested for mobile water filtration deployment and additional aid, and the Agriculture Department is addressing animal care issues.

The local government advises residents not to return home until further updates on the volcano's activity are available; Mount Kanlaon remained at Alert Level 2 with a steam plume reaching 2,000 meters and fourteen recorded tremors.