Phivolcs warn of possible lahar flow in Albay MANILA -- The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned residents living near Mayon Volcano in Albay of possible lahar flow if strong rains continue. In an interview on ANC, Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said so far, there is only one river in Guinobatan, Albay, that showed signs of concentrated debris flow. There have been muddy stream flows or flood waters carrying sand and sometimes mud. But among the rivers that we have monitored, only one river in Maipon, Guinobatan showed what we call a hyper concentrated debris flow o malabnaw na lahar, and the rest, parang baha lamang, he added. Despite this, Solidum warned that there is still a possibility of lahar flow if rains intensify. In case the rain increases and would continue for a long time, then there is a possibility that there can be landslides on the slopes of the volcano, and the landslide debris can now be pushed down by flood water as lahar, he said. He also advised residents to be vigilant, in case rains continue. We don’t expect many lahar to come unless the rain is very intense, but we have to warn the people that there’s a possibility of lahar, as one has come down along the river, passing through Maipon and Guinobatan. Therefore, people should be vigilant in case rains would continue, and of course there should be clearing of debris on the roads as soon as possible so that the mobility of people will not be hampered, Solidum said. The official also warned against passing through raging waters, as these can cause harm. They have to wait till the rain has stopped or the volume of water passing through the river would not be so much that they can easily cross it. I think they should not cross the river if the rain is heavy and the flood water is high. Boulders can be brought down by the moving water and these can injure them, Solidum said.
Posted on: Sun, 07 Dec 2014 09:05:19 +0000
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