Ash from recent Taal eruption blamed for Batangas town flood

Heavy downpour in the area in the past few days has been resulting in flooding in some barangays in Agoncillo town in Batangas, an incident blamed on the eruption of Taal Volcano earlier this year.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV on Tuesday, Agoncillo Mayor Daniel Reyes said flooding occurred as deposited ash stopped the ground from absorbing rainwater.

“Binaha nga kami noong isang araw, kamakalawa. Malakas po ang ulan. Yun po kasi 'yung resulta, kapag bumuhos po 'yung ulan, may mga deposited ash tayo, na-convert po siya, parang lahar na po,” he said.

Floods are common in some areas in Agoncillo, Reyes said.

“Ngayon po, because of the deposited ash, hindi po talaga naa-absorb ng lupa 'yung tubig dahil doon sa mga abo na makapal na po,” he added.

Reyes said creeks were clogged by ash deposits and other debris. Due to this, the current spilled to the town's residential areas.

According to Reyes, Barangay Banyaga and other areas in the town of Laurel were affected by the mudflow.

The local government is already conducting clearing operations, Reyes said. --Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News