PHIVOLCS warns of possible lahar from Mayon Volcano due to Kristine

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on Tuesday warned areas close to Albay's Mayon Volcano that heavy rains carried by Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) may cause lahars.

“These rains could generate volcanic sediment flows or lahars, muddy streamflows, or muddy runoff in rivers and drainage areas of Mayon Volcano,” PHIVOLCS said in an advisory.

PHIVOLCS advised concerned residents to be more vigilant and prepared.

“Mayon lahars can threaten communities along the middle and lower slopes and downstream of these channels with inundation, burial, and washout,” it said.

Potential lahars and sediment-laden streamflows may occur along the Miisi, Binaan, Anoling, Quirangay, Maninila, Masarawag, Muladbucad, Nasisi, Mabinit, Matan-ag, Bonga, Buyuan, Basud, and Bulawan Channels, according to PHIVOLCS.

“PHIVOLCS strongly advises the communities and local government units of the above identified areas of risk to continually monitor the tropical storm conditions and take preemptive response measures for their safety from 'Kristine.'''

Albay was under Signal No. 1 based on PAGASA's 11 a.m. tropical cyclone bulletin. 

At 10 a.m. Kristine was located 335 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 80 km/h.

The storm was moving west northwestward at 10 km/h. — VBL, GMA Integrated News