Mayon Lahar Alert: PNP Readies Evacuations as Bagyong Caloy Threatens Bicol
Police and disaster officials are preparing for possible lahar flows around Mayon Volcano as Tropical Storm Caloy threatens heavy rain over Bicol.
Authorities are watching communities around Mayon Volcano as Tropical Storm Caloy raises the risk of lahar flows in parts of Bicol, especially in areas near river channels and volcanic slopes.
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered police units in the region to coordinate closely with local government units for a unified disaster response. The preparations may include preemptive evacuation, road clearing, and rapid deployment of vehicles and equipment.
The Office of Civil Defense earlier warned that continuous heavy rain over Mayon’s slopes could loosen and move volcanic debris toward low-lying communities. The concern comes after Caloy entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday night.
Phivolcs also recorded short-lived lava fountaining at Mayon’s summit crater on Saturday evening. Alert Level 3 remains in effect, which means entry into the six-kilometer permanent danger zone is prohibited and aircraft are not allowed to fly close to the volcano.
The Department of Agriculture said initial assessments showed 102 hectares of crops damaged within the six-kilometer zone, affecting 228 farmers and causing an estimated P13.02 million in losses. Residents near Mayon are being urged to follow official advisories and evacuation instructions as conditions develop. Source: The Philippine Star
