The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Tuesday, Oct. 22 issued a warning regarding potential lahars from Mayon Volcano as tropical storm “Kristine” (international name “Trami”) is expected to bring heavy to intense rainfall to Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas.
Phivolcs, citing the 11 a.m. bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said tropical storm Kristine is expected to affect these regions until Wednesday evening, Oct. 23.
The heavy rainfall poses a significant risk of generating volcanic sediment flows, or lahars, along with muddy streamflows and runoff in the drainage areas of Mayon Volcano.
Phivolcs urged communities in pre-determined lahar risk zones to heighten their vigilance and readiness as prolonged and heavy rains may trigger non-eruption lahars along various river and stream channels associated with Mayon.
Areas at risk include the Miisi, Binaan, Anoling, Quirangay, Maninila, Masarawag, Muladbucad, Nasisi, Mabinit, Matanag, Bonga, Buyuan, Basud, and Bulawan Channels in Albay Province. Lahars from Mayon can threaten communities situated on the middle and lower slopes, and downstream areas, leading to potential inundation, burial, and washout.
Phivolcs advised local government units and communities in the affected areas to closely monitor tropical storm conditions and implement preemptive measures.