4.7 billion cubic meters of lahar threaten three towns in Zambales
The day the sky fell Filipino photojournalist Albert Garcia (inset) captured a lone truck fleeing as Mount Pinatubo unleashed one of the most violent eruptions of the 20th century on 15 June 1991. The image would later win global acclaim and become an enduring symbol of courage in the face of catastrophe.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ALBERT GARCIA
Iba, Zambales – Around 4.7 billion cubic meters of lahar is threatening to cause massive flooding in three towns of Zambales if not hauled off immediately.
This was the statement made by Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Director Noel Lacadin during a meeting with resort owners of Liwliwa, San Felipe at the Provincial Engineering Office here on 26 August 2025.
According to Lacadin, once the 4.7 billion cubic meters of lahar flows through river channels and causes an overflow, the towns of San Felipe, San Narciso, and Botolan would be submerged in floodwater.
He added that Mt. Pinatubo spewed 6.7 billion cubic meters of lahar since its eruption in 1991, with 4.7 billion cubic meters of pyroclastic materials flowing into the river channels of Zambales.
AROUND 4.7 billion cubic meters of lahar threaten to cause massive flooding in three towns of Zambales if not hauled off immediately.
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Bucao River received the largest volume as three billion cubic meters of lahar clogged the water system, which accounts for 63.8 percent of the lahar spewed by Mt. Pinatubo. This was followed by Sto. Tomas River with 34 percent or 1.6 billion cubic meters of lahar.
The DENR Central Luzon official said the need to dredge and haul off lahar sand from these river systems is urgent to prevent overflow from the Bucao, Maloma, Sto. Tomas, and Pamatawan rivers.
The resort owners met with the Provincial Government led by Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. to discuss the situation of their properties. Ebdane laid out steps and solutions to provide direction and address the problems faced by resort owners.
“With open discussions and cooperation, we came up with a singular goal to push for a more structured development of the area and well-being of their community and the town of San Felipe. This collaboration between the Provincial Government and stakeholders is a testament that problems can be resolved with an open line of communication,” he said.
The governor cited the need to dredge and haul off these pyroclastic materials as a priority since lahar blocks rainwater from flowing downstream to the sea. Because lahar remains in the rivers, rainwater is forced into rice fields, causing flooding.
So far, only 50 million cubic meters of lahar have been dredged and hauled off from the 4.7 billion cubic meters in the river systems, still a long way before the people of Zambales can reclaim their rivers.