Lahar flow feared amid heavy rains in Albay

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has warned the possible lahar flow as heavy rains are expected over the Albay province brought about by the tail-end of a cold front.

In a Mayon Advisory as of 10:30 am today, the Phivolcs said that the heavy rains over the Province”have increased the dangers of syn-eruption lahars on major channels draining the Mayon Volcano edifice that have been deposited with thick pyroclastic density current or PDC material and ashfall.”

“PHIVOLCS therefore warns of potential lahars and sediment-laden streamflows on all river channels draining the slopes of Mayon Volcano especially the Buyuan, Miisi, Mabinit, Basud, San Vicente, Buang, Quirangay and Masarawag-Maninila that may be generated by heavy rainfalls brought about by the cold-front,” it said.

The agency warned the communities and local government units near the said river systems to become more “vigilant and to move residents to high ground when heavy rains occur.”

Alert Level 4 remains in effect over Mayon Volcano. The DOST-PHIVOLCS said taht it will maintain close monitoring of Mayon Volcano.

The Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Redcution Management Council’s partial evacuation report as of Jan. 26, 6:00 pm showed that 20,675 families hace been evacuated or a total of
79,586 individuals.

Breakdown of barangays affected are:

Legazpi City- 9 brgys affected
Tabaco City- 8 brgys affected
Ligao City- 7 brgys affected
Daraga – 6 brgys affected
Camalig – 14 brgys affected
Guinobatan – 8 brgys affected
Bacacay – 1 brgy affected
Malilipot – 3 brgys affected
Sto Domingo- 6 brgys affected