WITH Mayon Volcano in Albay remaining under Alert Level 3 due to intensified unrest, authorities are warning of potential lahar flows as the weather bureau PAGASA forecasts heavy rainfall for the province today, Wednesday, January 7.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the volcano continues to exhibit magmatic unrest, raising concerns about possible ballistic fragments, lava flows, lava fountaining, pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), moderate-sized explosions, and lahar flows during heavy and prolonged rainfall. The alert level was raised from 2 to 3 on Tuesday, indicating signs of a potential magmatic eruption and dome collapse PDC, locally known as “uson.”
PAGASA issued a weather advisory at 11 a.m. Wednesday, cautioning that Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, and Albay could experience heavy rains ranging from 50-100 mm.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has also issued a similar advisory, warning residents of the potential for downpours to trigger channel-confined lahar and sediment-laden streamflows in areas where PDC deposits have accumulated.
Evacuation efforts have been underway in the 6-kilometer danger zones near Mayon since Tuesday, with local authorities in Albay reporting that the process is ongoing. They indicated that they may request additional assistance if the volcano’s unrest escalates, particularly if it reaches Alert Level 4, requiring the evacuation of thousands more residents.
The Department of Tourism in the Bicol Region is advising tourists to take necessary safety precautions, including checking flight statuses, bringing medical-grade face masks in case of ashfall, and staying outside the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone. The tourism department plans to designate safe viewing sites outside the danger zones, as many tourists are drawn to the province during periods of magmatic eruption to witness potential lava flows.
