Phivolcs warns of potential Mayon Volcano lahar flows

Phivolcs is alerting residents near Mayon Volcano to be vigilant due to potential lahar flows caused by heavy rains from the shear line.

Phivolcs Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol stated that while no lahars from the shear line have been monitored yet, continued rainfall could still trigger them.

He warned that lahars can travel rapidly and have the power to destroy houses and structures in their path, citing Super Typhoon Reming in 2006 which caused a lahar in Albay that claimed around 1,200 lives.

Residents living near rivers flowing from Mayon, specifically those in the southern, western, and eastern sides of the volcano, are advised to stay alert.

Specific areas at risk include those near the Miisi Channel, Binaan Channel, Anoling, Quirangay, Maninila, Masarawag, Muladbucad, Nasisi, Mabinit, Matan-ag, Bulawan, and Basud Channels.

Bacolcol urged residents in these areas to immediately evacuate to safe zones designated by local governments, avoid crossing or approaching rivers prone to lahars, and coordinate with local authorities for assistance and information.