Phivolcs warns of lahar flow near Mayon due to heavy rain

A resident of Daraga town in Albay province takes an early morning walk as an ash cloud covers the picturesque Mt. Mayon. This photo was taken at 6:20 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 24, from Barangay Busay in Daraga. INQUIRER / GEORGE GIO BRONDIAL

Residents near the restive Mayon volcano should brace for possible lahar flow due to heavy rains over Albay, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

In an advisory on Saturday, Phivolcs said intense rains brought by the tail-end of a cold front over Albay province could trigger a lahar flow from the volcano.

“Phivolcs therefore warns of potential lahar and sediment-laden stream flows 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,” Phivolcs said.

Phivolcs also advised communities and local government units located beside these rivers to evacuate residents to high ground should heavy rain continue to prevail in the province.

As Alert Level 4 remains hoisted over Mayon volcano, Phivolcs assured the public that it is closely monitoring the volcano and it would immediately issue warnings if new development unfolds. /jpv

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