Based on its Severe Weather Bulletin # 8 issued at 8:00 AM today (December 24, 2019), the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts that Albay will be experiencing light to moderate with intermittent heavy rains between today and tomorrow noon due to Severe Tropical Storm “URSULA”.

In view of the above, DOST-PHIVOLCS strongly recommends vigilance and readiness of communities in pre-determined zones of lahar hazards in Mayon Volcano. Prolonged and heavy rainfall may generate post-eruption lahars on major channels draining the Mayon Volcano edifice from thick pyroclastic density current (PDC) material and ashfall deposited during the January-March 2018 Mayon eruption. The bulk of erodible PDC deposits occupy the watershed areas of the Miisi, Mabinit, Buyuan and Basud channels. These deposits can be remobilized by rainwater and incorporate existing erodible material on channel banks and channel beds to generate boulder-rich or sediment-rich lahars.

DOST-PHIVOLCS therefore warns of potential lahars and sediment-laden streamflows on all river channels draining the slopes of Mayon Volcano, particularly the Mi-isi, Binaan, Anoling, Quirangay, Maninila, Masarawag, Muladbucad, Nasisi, Mabinit, Matan-ag, and Basud River Channels, that may be generated by heavy rainfall brought about by Severe Tropical Storm “URSULA”. Communities and local government units beside these drainages are advised to be additionally vigilant and to move residents to high ground when heavy rains occur.

 

 

DOST-PHIVOLCS