Phivolcs warns of lahar flow from Mayon Volcano amid storms, 'habagat'
Mayon Volcano (Phivolcs File Photo)
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a lahar flow advisory for Mayon Volcano on Thursday, July 24, due to potential risks from Tropical Storm “Dante,” Severe Tropical Storm “Emong,” and the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat).
Phivolcs warned that heavy to torrential rainfall brought by these weather systems could trigger volcanic sediment flows, commonly known as lahars, along major drainage channels surrounding the volcano in Albay.
Citing the forecast from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), which indicated sustained rainfall across Bicol Region, Phivolcs said intense precipitation may remobilize loose volcanic materials from previous eruptions, particularly pyroclastic density current deposits left by the 2018 and 2023 eruptive episodes.
It added that these materials remain in significant volumes within the watersheds of the Miisi, Mabinit, Buyuan, and Basud channels.
Phivolcs also warned that older and erodible deposits on Mayon’s eastern and western slopes could be disturbed, which may generate non-eruption lahars through the erosion of riverbanks and channel beds.
Such flows may inundate, bury, or wash away structures and infrastructure in downstream communities.
Areas at risk include Miisi, Binaan, Anoling, Quirangay, Maninila, Masarawag, Muladbucad, Nasisi, Mabinit, Matanag, Basud, and Bulawan channels in Albay.
The agency urged residents, local government units, and disaster risk reduction and management offices to remain vigilant and implement appropriate preparedness and response measures as needed.