The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has warned that Severe Tropical Storm #OpongPH may trigger dangerous lahar flows around Mayon Volcano.
In its advisory, PHIVOLCS said prolonged and intense rainfall could remobilize loose volcanic materials from past eruptions. This may result in volcanic sediment flows or muddy floods that can affect rivers, drainage systems, and nearby communities.
Communities along the following channels are identified as high-risk areas:
- Miisi
- Binaan
- Anoling
- Quirangay
- Maninila
- Masarawag
- Muladbucad
- Nasisi
- Mabinit
- Matanag
- Basud
- Bulawan
PHIVOLCS warned residents that lahars could cause flooding, erosion, or even burial of low-lying settlements.
The agency urged residents and local government units to stay alert, monitor official weather and hazard updates, and prepare for possible evacuations if conditions worsen.
Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed Albay local governments to convene their disaster councils, check evacuation centers and routes, preposition rescue equipment, and carry out preemptive evacuations if needed.
The DILG regional office in Bicol has been tasked to ensure all local government units follow minimum preparedness measures.
Authorities reminded the public to remain vigilant as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also stressed the importance of disaster readiness in climate-vulnerable regions like Bicol.
