OCD prepares for mandatory evacuations due to threat of lahar from Mayon Volcano

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Bicol is preparing to implement mandatory evacuation measures in anticipation of potential lahar flows from Mayon Volcano.

This came after PAGASA said that moderate to heavy rains (50 to 100mm) may prevail over Bicol and 11 other areas. 

In its 5 p.m. tropical cyclone bulletin, PAGASA said Tropical Depression Querubin weakened into a low-pressure area.

However, in its forecast, the state weather bureau said the shear line will bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over the Bicol region and four other areas, raising the risk of flash floods and landslides due to moderate to heavy rainfall.

“We are on constant alert regarding the lahar situation around Mayon Volcano. Experts warn that lahar deposits from previous eruptions can be mobilized when rainfall reaches 60mm per hour,” OCD Bicol director Claudio Yucot said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.

The OCD also said evacuations will be implemented once the rainfall reaches the threshold of 40-50mm per hour.

Earlier today, PHIVOLCS warned of possible lahar flow as moderate to heavy rainfall is seen over the Bicol Region and Negros Island in the coming days. 

“This can generate volcanic sediment flows or lahars, muddy streamflows or muddy run-off in rivers and drainage areas on the monitored active volcano,” PHIVOLCS said in an advisory.

“DOST-PHIVOLCS thus strongly recommends increased vigilance and readiness of communities in pre-determined zones of lahar and related hazards on these volcanoes,” it added.

Mayon Volcano remains at Alert Level 1, which means there is no eruption in the foreseeable future. —NB, GMA Integrated News