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 meetings ahead of the expected weather disturbance. He urged residents in vulnerable communities to stay alert and monitor government advisories. “We urge the public to remain vigilant and listen to the advisories of local authorities. Storm Caloy is expected by Saturday or Sunday. Its track may still change but we will continue monitoring the situation and prepare for everyone’s safety,” he said. Meanwhile, more than 70,000 families or 286,000 individuals have already been affected by the continued volcanic activity of Mayon across Bicol Region. Of this, more than 1,100 families or around 4,100 individuals remained inside 12 evacuation centers. Dozens of other displaced residents stayed with relatives or in makeshift shelters outside government-run facilities. Agricultural losses also reached P7 with 181 farmers suffering directly from Mayon’s unrest and 82 hectares of high-value crops buried in ash. The OCD said that law enforcers have also tightened restrictions inside the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) around the volcano as tourists and residents continued attempting to enter restricted areas. “The law and order cluster, led by the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines, is strictly monitoring the area to closely watch over our fellow citizens, as well as tourists and other individuals entering the six-km permanent danger zone, in order to ensure the well-being of our countrymen,” Castillo said.