Heavy rainfall, habagat may trigger lahar flow

By Ernie Delgado

LEGAZPI CITY --- State volcanologists have warned Albay province of possible mudflows along the gulleys of Mayon Volcano as Severe Tropical Storm Emong, Tropical Storm Dante and the southwest monsoon (habagat) bring about high volume of rainfall.

In a lahar advisory issued Thursday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said that heavy rainfall can trigger dangerous mudflows, known as lahar, on the slopes of Mayon Volcano.

Lahar can pose serious threats to communities living downstream, as it can cause floods, bury property, or even wash away structures, Phivolcs said.

The agency said that when it rains heavily after the volcano has erupted, these mudflows can pick up loose dirt and debris left from the eruptions in 2018 and 2023.

Phivolcs said that older volcanic materials on the volcano’s slopes can also wash into riverbeds, contributing to more mudflows.

The agency has identified several areas at high risk along the Miisi, Mabinit, Buyuan, and Basud river channels due to the presence of loose materials.

Residents living near the Binaan, Anoling, Quirangay, Maninila, Masarawag, Muladbucad, Nasisi, Matanag, and Bulawan river channels are also at risk.

Phivolcs advised residents and local government units in these identified risk areas to continuously monitor weather conditions and take proactive measures to ensure their safety, especially in light of the ongoing impacts of the cyclones and the habagat.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, “Dante” and “Emong,” along with the habagat, are expected to bring heavy to torrential rains to the Bicol region. (PIA Bicol)