MANILA – Due to forecast rainfall brought by Tropical Storm Kristine from Tuesday until Wednesday, the public is advised to be vigilant against possible lahar in Mayon Volcano.
“These rains could generate volcanic sediment flows or lahars, muddy streamflows or muddy run-off in rivers and drainage areas of Mayon Volcano,” the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said in an advisory.
Phivolcs said Kristine is expected to cause heavy to intense rains over Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas.
“Prolonged and heavy rainfall may generate non-eruption lahars along river/stream channels draining the Mayon edifice,” it said.
Phivolcs said potential lahars and sediment-laden streamflows may occur along the Miisi, Binaan, Anoling, Quirangay, Maninila, Masarawag, Muladbucad, Nasisi, Mabinit, Matanag, Bonga, Buyuan, Basud, and Bulawan Channels in Albay Province.
“Mayon lahars can threaten communities along the middle and lower slopes and downstream of these channels with inundation, burial and wash out,” it added.
Vigilance and readiness of communities in pre-determined zones of lahar and related hazards are advised.
Meanwhile, budget carrier Cebu Pacific has so far canceled 15 flights on Tuesday due to the impact of Kristine.
The flights were:
– DG 6113/6114: Manila – Naga – Manila
– DG 6118: Naga – Manila
– DG 6177/6178: Manila – Masbate – Manila
– DG 6195/6196: Manila – Legazpi – Manila
– DG 6197/6198: Manila – Legazpi – Manila
– DG 6548/6549: Cebu – Calbayog – Cebu
– 5J 172/173: Cebu – Legazpi – Cebu
– 5J 821/822: Manila – Virac – Manila
Affected passengers may refund their tickets or store the amount in a virtual CEB wallet.
They could also rebook their flights within 30 days from the original schedule, the airline said. (PNA)