OCD braces for lahar threat from Mayon as storm nears PAR

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) stepped up clearing operations around Mayon Volcano in Bicol (Region 5) as it prepares for possible lahar flows from a looming weather disturbance that threatens areas already affected by volcanic unrest, an official disclosed on Friday, May 8. OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo said about 200 operatives were deployed for continuous clearing operations in affected communities. “Clearing operations continue uninterrupted. Around 200 clearing operatives were conducting operations while the OCD was focused on providing fuel and food for members of the clearing teams,” he said. The OCD raised concern over the possibility of lahar flows if there are heavy rains from the expected entry of Tropical Storm “Caloy” into the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). “The lava and ashfall that had been deposited earlier are being closely monitored because stronger rains could trigger dangerous lahar flows,” Castillo said. “That is why clearing operations have continued so authorities can prepare in case of heavy rains from the incoming storm Caloy once it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility,” he added. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Tropical Storm Hagupit could enter PAR by Saturday evening or early Sunday. Once inside PAR, the storm would be given the local name “Caloy” and would become the country’s third tropical cyclone for this year. Hagupit was located 1,460 km east of Northeastern Mindanao (outside PAR) as of 10 a.m. Friday, packing maximum sustained winds of 85 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 105 km/h, and central pressure of 998 hPa. It was moving westward at a speed of 20 km/h. Another LPA brought rains to parts of Visayas and Mindanao but the state weather bureau said it had already dissipated on Thursday night. Castillo said response agencies had already conducted pre-disaster risk assessment...