By Brian Campued
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday urged local chief executives (LCEs) in Albay to intensify preparations for the possible lahar flows from Mayon Volcano due to heavy rains expected from Severe Tropical Storm Opong.
“The DILG directed all LCEs to coordinate closely with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) V to maintain vigilance and readiness in lahar-prone zones,” the agency said in a statement. “LGUs (local government units) must monitor weather conditions and carry out preemptive response measures to ensure public safety.”
In an advisory Wednesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said heavy to intense rains starting today until Friday afternoon, Sept. 26, may trigger volcanic sediment flows (lahars), muddy streamflows, or muddy run-off in rivers and drainage areas around Mayon Volcano.
According to Phivolcs, lahar is a mixture of volcanic materials and water, which rapidly flows, usually along river channels, due to extreme rainfall.
“Communities near Miisi, Binaan, Anoling, Quirangay, Maninila, Masarawag, Muladbucad, Nasisi, Mabinit, Matanag, Basud, and Bulawan Channels are particularly at risk,” Phivolcs said, adding that prolonged rains may cause flooding, erosion, or burial of downstream areas.
The DILG stressed that local DRRM councils must coordinate with Phivolcs, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and other concerned agencies to assess the risks of lahar flows on high-risk areas as well as validate safe evacuation sites and routes.
LGUs may also initiate preemptive or mandatory evacuations when necessary.
Bicol agencies bolster preparedness efforts vs. ‘Opong’
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), for its part, assured Bicolanos that it is ready to deliver relief goods, assist evacuation centers, and provide support services to those who will be affected by Opong.
According to DSWD – Field Office V, nearly 200,000 family food packs (FFPs) and tens of thousands of non-food items have been prepositioned in 28 warehouses across the Bicol Region, while mobile kitchens and command centers are also ready for deployment.
The Department of Health (DOH) likewise assured the region that its Bicol Center for Health Development is actively coordinating with LGUs to ensure the supply of medicines, surgical masks, and other health commodities as well as the provision of clean water.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Severe Tropical Storm may reach typhoon category before passing close to or making landfall over Bicol Region by Friday morning or early afternoon.
-jpv
