The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has confirmed lahar flows coursing down the southern slopes of Kanlaon Volcano, raising concerns for nearby communities.
Triggered by heavy rains brought about by localized thunderstorms, lahars were initially detected by seismic stations around 1:00 PM on Wednesday and continued for 25 minutes, PHIVOLCS said in its advisory.
The downpour, amounting to 23.75 mm over a two-hour period according to Bago City’s All-weather station, is suspected to be even heavier near the volcano’s peak, PHIVOLCS added.
PHIVOLCS strongly urges residents and local government units to closely monitor weather conditions and take proactive measures to safeguard themselves from potential lahar dangers.
Social media reports corroborated by PHIVOLCS’ Quick Response Team (QRT) depict lahars composed of mud, debris, and gravel deposited in waterways like Tamburong Creek, Intiguiwan River, Padudusan Falls, and the Binalbagan River.
In Tamburong Creek, PHIVOLCS confirmed that lahar overflow caused a section of the main road in Biak-na-Bato to become impassable.
With the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasting continued thunderstorms, PHIVOLCS warns of the possibility of further lahar flows.
These lahars pose a significant threat to communities residing along the affected rivers, with risks of inundation and destruction, it said.
