Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 15) — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has warned Albay residents that heavy rainfall could trigger potentially deadly mudflow or lahar from the restive Mayon Volcano.
“Pinapaalalahanan natin ang ating mga kababayan na nakatira malapit sa mga ilog na nagmumula sa Mayon Volcano na maghanda at maging alerto dahil maaaring magkaroon tayo ng mga lahar,” Paul Alanis, Phivolcs resident volcanologist at the Mayon Volcano Observatory, said in a public briefing on Friday.
[Translation: We remind those living near rivers in the vicinity of Mayon Volcano to prepare and be on alert because of the possibility of lahar flow.]
In 2006, hundreds of residents in Albay died when torrential rains brought by Typhoon Reming caused mudflows from Mayon Volcano, as well as landslides and flooding.
Since June 8, Mayon has been placed under Alert Level 3, which indicates a high level of unrest.
Phivolcs said a hazardous eruption within weeks or even days is possible.
Meanwhile, “Dodong” — the weather disturbance inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility — intensified into a tropical storm Saturday morning, although wind signals have been lifted in the country.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said while Dodong will not directly bring heavy rainfall, it is enhancing the southwest monsoon or habagat.
PAGASA said the storm may leave the country’s weather monitoring area by Saturday.
