The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged local government units (LGUs) near Mayon Volcano and Kanlaon Volcano to stay on high alert and prepare for possible evacuations, as heavy rains from Tropical Storm “Ada” may trigger lahar or volcanic mudflows.
“These rains could cause lahar—fast-moving flows of volcanic debris and mud—especially in areas near the two active volcanoes,” the DILG said.
For Mayon Volcano, communities near rivers and channels such as Mi-isi and Binaan in Daraga; Mabinit, Bonga, Matanag, Buyuan, and Padang in Legazpi City; Lidong and Basud Rivers in Sto. Domingo; and Masarawag, Maninila, and nearby channels in Guinobatan, Albay are considered at risk.
Around Kanlaon Volcano, residents in Bago City, La Carlota City, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, San Carlos City in Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental—particularly those living near the Ibid, Cotcot, Talaptapan, and Malaiba rivers, among others—are also advised to prepare.
In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to act before disasters strike, the Interior Department called on LGUs to closely monitor conditions in lahar-prone areas and step up preparedness measures to protect lives.
Local chief executives may order preemptive or mandatory evacuations if the situation worsens and communities are deemed at high risk.
LGUs were also advised to convene their Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and conduct Pre-Disaster Risk Assessments, with particular focus on lahar hazards.
