Lahar threat: Urgent evacuation ordered amid rising Kanlaon hazards

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – The mandatory evacuation order on Sunday, December 15, came just before dawn, urgent and absolute. All families near the foot of Kanlaon Volcano were to leave as heavy rain triggered lahar flows, sending rivers of mud cascading through the towns of Moises Padilla and La Castellana. 

Lahar flowed around midnight on Saturday, December 14, almost a week after Kanlaon’s December 9 eruption had signaled unrest again.

By sunrise, mayors Ella Celestina...