Phivolcs: Typhoon Rolly with shot lahar flows near Mayon, Pinatubo, Taal volcanoes

MANILA – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned on Friday that predicted heavy rains from Typhoon Rolly could cause lahar flows in rivers and drainage areas near 3 volcanoes in Luzon, and urged residents near the areas to be prepared.

Communities near the Mayon, Pinatubo and Taal volcanoes must increase their vigilance and take necessary precautions amid the heavy rains from Typhoon Rolly, Phivolcs said.

“Due to its trajectory, severe current intensity, and potentially large-volume rainfall, Rolly can be expected to generate volcanic sediment flows or lahars, muddy stream flows, or muddy runoff in rivers and drainage areas in active volcanoes. monitored ”, affirm the seismologists said.

Potential lahar flows from the Mayon volcano, Phivolcs said, can occur along the Miisi, Binaan, Anoling, Quirangay, Maninila, Masarawag, Muladbucad, Nasisi, Mabinit, Matan-ag and Basud channels in Albay province.

“Mayon’s lahars can threaten communities downstream of former canals with flooding, burial and wash-down,” he said.

mount Meanwhile, Pinatubo lahars are likely “confined to channels” and may occur in the upper or middle reaches of the Sto. Systems of the Tomas-Marella and Bucao rivers.

According to Phivolcs, the muddy stream flows from Mt. Pinatubo could affect the communities of San Marcelino, San Narciso, San Felipe and Botolan in Zambales.

“Muddy currents can also be generated along the O’Donnell and Pasig-Potrero river systems that drain the Pinatubo building to the north and southeast, respectively, and affect the downstream communities in the Tarlac and Pampanga provinces” Phivolcs said.

Typhoon Rolly, which is approaching the strength of a super typhoon category, could also trigger a flow of lahar around the Taal volcano, he added.

It could be repeated in the previously affected communities of Agoncillo and Laurel in Batangas.

“Heavy and prolonged rains can generate muddy streams and muddy runoff around Taal Volcano, particularly on the slopes west of Lake Taal, where the remaining thin ash can remobilize in streams and roads and overland from the slopes into the lake.”

Typhoon Rolly on Friday night continued to intensify into super typhoon category as it approached eastern Luzon, the state meteorological office PAGASA said.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has classified Rolly as a “violent typhoon”, the highest category.