Science and Technology Undersecretary Renato Solidum has warned communities near Mayon, Taal, and Pinatubo volcanoes of possible destructive sediment-laden stream flows, including lahar, along river channels that may occur during the onslaught of typhoon "Ulysses."
(Photo by Charism SAYAT / AFP / MANILA BULLETIN)
"We have had a number of cyclones, from Pepito to Rolly. These cyclones passed through Bicol, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Metro Manila, and Central Luzon, just like a highway followed by storms," Solidum, also director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) during the PAGASA press briefing on Wednesday.
"Dito sa mga nakaraang bagyo nakita natin na maliban sa normal na epekto nito, malakas na hangin, baha, storm surge, o landslide, nagkakaroon din ng lahar sa mga bulkan. (We saw in these previous storms that in addition to its usual effects, strong winds, floods, storm surges, or landslides, lahar also occurs)," he pointed out.
He said Phivolcs has already issued a lahar advisory for Mayon Volcano "dahil marami pang malambot o loose na abo at bato na pwedeng anurin ng malalakas na ulan (because there are still more soft or loose ashes and rocks that can be washed away by heavy rains)."
Solidum also issued the same warning for communities near Taal Volcano.
"May mga bumagsak ng abo sa dalisdis ng bayan ng Agoncillo at Laurel na pwede maanod kapag malakas ang ulan na pwede magdala ng baha at putik. (There are ash fall on the slopes of the towns of Agoncillo and Laurel in Batangas that can be swept away during heavy rains which can bring floods and mud along rivers and roads)," he said.
Solidum also warned that rains due to Ulysses may also wash away pyroclastic materials left in the Mt. Pinatubo's crater down to the surrounding areas.
These areas, as well the concerned local government units, were asked to stay vigilant and take necessary precautionary measures against these hazards.
PAGASA Weather Division chief Esperanza Cayanan also urged those in areas near or along the typhoon path, especially in areas susceptible to flooding, landslides, or storm surges to conduct preemptive evacuation.
"Gabi ang landfall towards midnight kaya huwag magpakakampante kung kailan malakas na ang ulan at hangin at gabi na saka pa kikilos. (The landfall may happen towards midnight so do not be too complacent. Don't just act when heavy rains and strong winds begin to affect your communities, and try to evacuate at night," Cayanan advised.
"Also check the high tide in coastal areas that might aggravate the risk of storm surge in your areas," she added. "Kailangan maging aware tayo sa mangyayari mamayang gabi. (We need to be aware of what will happen tonight)."