The Office of Civil Defense Bicol – Region 5 is set to enforce mandatory evacuation protocols in anticipation of potential lahar flows from Mayon Volcano, following forecasts of heavy rainfall from PAGASA.
Director Claudio Yucot of OCD Bicol stated, “We are on constant alert regarding the lahar situation around Mayon Volcano. Experts warn that lahar deposits from previous eruptions can be mobilized when rainfall reaches 60mm per hour.”
Rain gauges installed by PAGASA, PHIVOLCS, and local government units (LGUs) are actively monitoring rainfall levels, with evacuation procedures set to commence once rainfall reaches the threshold of 40-50mm per hour. Rex Espiritu
This proactive approach aligns with a recent memorandum from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), advising local officials about the dangers posed by lahar flows following heavy rains.
The DILG’s advisory highlights risks not only for areas surrounding Mayon Volcano but also for communities near Kanlaon Volcano, which face similar hazards.
According to the DOST-PHIVOLCS lahar advisory, southeastern Luzon, including the Bicol area, is expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall in the coming days. The conditions created by the shear line, in conjunction with the remnants of Tropical Depression Querubin, could generate volcanic sediment flows or lahars, particularly affecting river channels near Mayon Volcano.