The provincial government of Albay has intensified preparations for the possible effects of tropical storm “Ada” as the threat from the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano continues, prompting authorities to implement a multi-hazard response strategy.

According to Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) chief Roderick Mendoza, the province is preparing for what he described as a “complex disaster,” where multiple hazards may occur simultaneously and affect the same communities.

“We are preparing for a complex disaster. This is an interaction of several risks occurring at the same time and requiring response from the same community,” Mendoza said.

He explained that evacuation efforts now cover not only residents threatened by a potential volcanic eruption but also those at risk from lahar flows, flooding, landslides, storm surges, and other hazards associated with Ada.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has issued a lahar advisory urging local government units around Mayon Volcano to closely monitor Ada and implement pre-emptive response measures to ensure public safety.

“DOST-Phivolcs strongly advises the communities and local government units of the above identified areas of risk to continually monitor the typhoon conditions and take pre-emptive response measures for their safety from ‘Ada,’” the agency said in its advisory.

Phivolcs specifically warned barangays near the Mi-isi and Binaan Channels in Daraga; Mabinit, Bonga, Matanag, Buyuan, and Padang in Legazpi City, and areas along the Lidong and Basud Rivers in the municipality of Santo Domingo.

Mendoza said 1,135 families or 4,037 individuals are currently staying in 17 evacuation centers due to Mayon’s unrest.

He added that this number is expected to increase as local government units continue evacuations in areas vulnerable to lahar, flooding, landslides, and storm surges.

As part of storm preparedness measures, face-to-face classes on all levels, both public and private, have been suspended across the entire province from Jan. 16 to Jan. 17.

In the municipality of Guinobatan, Mayor Gemma Ongjoco said evacuation operations are in full swing in Barangays Maninila, Tandarora, and Masarawag.

While the exact number of evacuees has yet to be determined, she said thousands of families may need to be evacuated.

Records from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) showed that during tropical storm “Uwan,” 540 families were evacuated from Barangay Maninila and 296 families from Masarawag.

Ongjoco noted that the local government’s response to Ada will mirror the measures implemented during the previous storm, starting with the evacuation of families within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).

At present, 31 barangays in Guinobatan are considered at risk from flooding, landslides, flash floods, and lahar flow.

The municipal government of Camalig has ramped up preparations for the incoming storm.

Mayor Carlos “Caloy” Baldo said evacuation efforts are ready to be implemented. “One call to the barangays and residents will immediately evacuate,” Baldo said.

At present, Camalig has 209 families or 731 individuals staying in various evacuation centers. These residents are from communities located within the six-kilometer PDZ.

Authorities urged residents to remain alert, follow advisories, and cooperate with evacuation orders as Albay faces the combined threats of Ada and Mayon.