Phivolcs warns Albay of possible lahars from heavy rain

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a warning on Sunday for Albay province, cautioning about possible lahars due to heavy rainfall caused by the shear line.

According to Phivolcs, prolonged heavy rain may generate post-eruption lahars in major channels draining Mayon Volcano, incorporating loose material from remnant pyroclastic density current (PDC) deposits from the January to March 2018 eruption.

Phivolcs noted that erodible PDC deposits occupy key watersheds such as Miisi, Mabinit, Buyuan, and Basud Channels in Albay, posing a threat to communities downstream due to potential inundation, burial, and washaways.

The agency warned that lahars from Mayon Volcano could affect several identified channels including Miisi, Binaan, Anoling, Quirangay, Maninila, Masarawag, Muladbucad, Nasisi, Mabinit, Matanag, Basud, and Bulawan.

Phivolcs advised residents and local government units to continuously monitor weather conditions and take preemptive safety measures due to the ongoing effects of the shear line.