Communities around Mayon Volcano warned of lahar, sediment flows

MANILA, Philippines — State volcanologists have warned communities around Mayon Volcano in Albay to remain vigilant as heavy rains spawned by Tropical Storm Enteng could trigger lahar flows and other related hazards.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Enteng’s rains over Bicol could push volcanic sediment down the slopes as well as muddy stream flows in rivers and drainage system.

“Prolonged and heavy rainfall may generate lahar flows along rivers or stream channels draining the Mayon edifice,” Phivolcs said.

The agency said potential lahar and sediment-laden streamflows could occur in the villages of Anoling, Basud, Binaan, Bonga, Bulawan Buyuan, Mabinit, Maninila, Masarawag, Matan-ag, Miisi, Muladbucad, Nasisi and Quirangay.

“Lahar flows from Mayon can threaten communities located along the middle and lower slopes as well as downstream of these channels,” Phivolcs said.

Community officials and local government units in areas identified as prone to risk were told to monitor the tropical depression and take preemptive measures to prevent loss of life.