Phivolcs issues lahar advisory for Mayon Volcano area due to heavy rain

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a lahar advisory on Friday, Feb. 21, warning about heightened risks due to continuous heavy rainfall caused by a shear line affecting Southern Luzon.

Thirteen channels were identified for potential lahar generation: Miisi, Binaan, Anoling, Quirangay, Maninila, Masarawag, Muladbucad, Nasisi, Mabinit, Matan-ag, Buyuan, Basud, and Bulawan.

Phivolcs stated that lahars could affect communities downstream of Mayon Volcano where volcanic deposits from previous eruptions remain highly susceptible to erosion, particularly in the eastern and western slopes' watershed regions.

The agency urged residents near these channels and local government units to monitor weather conditions and take necessary precautions to mitigate potential hazards such as inundation, burial, and wash away.

Heavy Rainfall Warnings remained in effect across various provinces with RED WARNING for Southern Palawan and Leyte, ORANGE WARNING for Albay and Samar, and YELLOW WARNING for Sorsogon and Biliran.