Residents in Albay's lahar-prone areas evacuate amid Tropical Storm Ada threat

Residents near the slopes of the unrestive Mayon Volcano have evacuated due to possible lahar flows and floods amid the threat of Tropical Storm Ada. 

According to Ian Cruz’s report in “24 Oras” on Thursday, municipal and barangay officials assisted families in Barangay Maninila in Guinobatan, Albay in their evacuation. 

Among those who evacuated is the family of Isabel Belches. She said that lahar flows are serious especially during storms. 

“Yung daanan namin, nahuhukay ng tubig,” she said. 

(The water carves out our roads.) 

The Barangay Maninila becomes isolated whenever lahar-filled water surges through the two gullies on the side of their barangay. Hence, residents choose to flee to safer grounds instead of possibly being stranded. 

Residents are now taking temporary shelter in Guinobatan East Central School. 

In Barangay Masarawag, residents were forced to evacuate as heavy rains caused extensive sections of the road and the surrounding community to be inundated with floodwaters and lahar.

“Gawa po ng ‘yung galing po sa Mayon dito po sa amin bumabagsak,” said evacuee Gina Nañagas, adding that lahar and rocks affect their village during inclement weather. 

(It’s because everything that comes from Mayon ends up falling here in our area.) 

The Municipality of Guinobatan is aiming to evacuate over 2,000 families from barangays Maninila and Masarawag. It added that a forced evacuation is possible if some residents would still choose to stay in their homes.

“We will do it po na magpa-forced evacuation just to ensure po na safe ang ating mga kababayan,” said Joy Maravilla of the Guinobatan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO). 

(We will implement a forced evacuation just to ensure that our people are safe.) 

Despite the possible danger at Masarawag Gully during inclement weather, quarry trucks and a farmer were spotted in the area. 

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Station Albay has also suspended all operations for all types of sea vessels and watercraft in the southeastern portion of Albay. This applies to areas currently under Wind Signal No. 1, including Legazpi City and the towns of Manito, Rapu-Rapu, Bacacay, and Sto. Domingo. 

The suspension of sea trips also covered Tabaco City, Malilipot, Malinao, and Tiwi. 

Catanduanes Governor Patrick Alain Azanza issued a memorandum  ordering local government units and disaster response agencies across the entire island to strictly monitor in preparation for the potential impact of the typhoon.

Residents in flood prone areas in the island were also ordered to evacuate. 

Likewise, PCG Catanduanes also cancelled sea trips as Signal No. 1 has been hoisted over the island. 

Furthermore, nearly 2,000 passengers are stranded in some ports in Masbate and in Sorsogon. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News