MANILA (Xinhua): Philippine volcanologists on Friday night issued a call for vigilance as a tropical depression approaching the country has the potential to develop into a super typhoon. This weather disturbance also brings along heavy rainfall that could impact areas near the Mayon volcano, southeast of Manila.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a warning regarding the tropical depression. They have emphasized that heavy rainfall, starting from Sunday, may result in floods and landslides in the affected areas.
Concerning this development, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has “strongly recommended” on Friday that residents living at the base of the Mayon volcano in Albay province, located approximately 500 km southeast of Manila, remain vigilant and be prepared for potential risks.
According to the institute, the prolonged heavy rainfall can activate lahar flows, which consist of volcanic ash and debris expelled by the erupting volcano since June 8. The institute has warned that these lahar flows can pose threats to communities situated along the middle and lower slopes, as well as downstream river channels. Inundation, burial, and wash away are among the possible dangers resulting from this situation. Provincial authorities have been urged by the institute to relocate residents to higher grounds in the event of heavy rains.
As a consequence of the ongoing eruption, thousands of villagers have been displaced. These affected individuals have been provided temporary shelter in government-managed facilities throughout the province.
– Xinhua
Credit: The Star : News Feed
