Tropical storm “Dante,” severe tropical storm “Emong,” and the ongoing southwest monsoon or habagat are expected to bring rains over the Bicol Region and generate volcanic sediment flows or lahar, the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned.
In an advisory issued on 24 July morning, Phivolcs said rainfall from the weather systems may remobilize volcanic deposits in areas surrounding Mayon Volcano in the province of Albay.
“Heavy to torrential rainfall can generate post-eruption lahars on major channels draining Mayon Volcano by incorporating loose material from remnant pyroclastic density current (PDC) deposits of the 2018 and 2023 Mayon eruptions,” Phivolcs said.
It added that volcanic mudflows and muddy stream water may occur along Miisi, Binaan, Anoling, Quirangay, Maninila, Masarawag, Muladbucad, Nasisi, Mabinit, Matanag, Basud and Bulawan channels in Albay Province.
Mayon Volcano last erupted on 3 February 2024. It remains at alert level 1 indicating low-level unrest.
From 12 a.m. of 23 July to 12 a.m. of 24 July, Phivolcs recorded two volcanic earthquakes and five rockfall events.
Phivolcs reiterated its call for monitoring of weather conditions and pre-emptive measures among residents and local government units in identified lahar-prone areas.