LEGAZPI CITY, Albay - The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has issued a lahar advisory for Mayon Volcano as tropical cyclone “Opong” is expected to bring heavy to intense rains over the Bicol region from Thursday afternoon, Sept. 25, to Friday afternoon, Sept. 26.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said intense rains may trigger volcanic sediment flows or lahar, as well as muddy streamflows and run-off in rivers and drainage areas around Mayon Volcano.
Phivolcs warned that rainfall could mobilize remnant pyroclastic density current (PDC) deposits left by the 2018 and 2023 eruptions of Mayon.
These loose volcanic materials, located in the watershed areas of the Miisi, Mabinit, Buyuan, and Basud channels, are highly susceptible to erosion while older deposits on the eastern and western slopes may also be remobilized, increasing the risk of non-eruption lahars.
Communities downstream of these channels could face threats of inundation, burial, and even being washed away.
At risk include the areas of Miisi, Binaan, Anoling, Quirangay, Maninila, Masarawag, Muladbucad, Nasisi, Mabinit, Matanag, Basud, and Bulawan channels.
Phivolcs advised residents and local government units (LGUs) in affected zones to maintain heightened vigilance, closely monitor rainfall conditions, and take pre-emptive safety measures.
Authorities urged communities to remain alert and prioritize preparedness to minimize risks from potential lahars during the passage of Opong.