Legazpi: There is risk of lahar or volcanic mudflow from Mayon Volcano as Typhoon Uwan nears and intensifies over the Philippine Sea. In a lahar advisory on Saturday afternoon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said heavy rains from Uwan could trigger volcanic sediment flows, muddy stream flows or muddy run-off in rivers and drainage areas around Mayon Volcano.

According to Philippines News Agency, communities near Miisi, Binaan Mabinit, Buyuan, Anoling, Matan-ag, Basud, Quirangay, Tumpa, Sua, Muladbucad, Nasisi, Nabonton, Buang, San Vicente, Bulawan and Lidong Channels are “at risk” and are advised to take precautions. The Masarawag and Maninila Channels, as well as creeks within immediate vicinities, “could once again feed non-eruption lahars” in communities in Guinobatan.

‘Lahars, or volcanic mudflows, could occur due to prolonged rains, posing threats such as flooding, erosion, or burial of downstream areas,’ PHIVOLCS said. ‘PHIVOLCS urges residents and local government units to be vigilant, closely monitor the weather, and take precautionary measures to ensure safety. Stay informed and be ready for possible evacuation,’ it added.

Even without eruption, PHIVOLCS said lahar — a mixture of ash, rocks and water — can occur with extreme rainfall, resulting in erosion of loose materials from remnant deposits of the 2018 and 2023 eruption.