LEGAZPI CITY — As Tropical Storm Kristine continues to pour rain in the province of Albay, newly installed Acting Gov. Baby Glenda Ong-Bongao has ordered the evacuation of the residents vulnerable to flooding, landslide and lahar flow from Mount Mayon.
"Due to the widespread effect of Tropical Storm Kristine causing continuous rainfall that had caused flooding and possible landslide; the Albay PDRRMC-Apsemo hereby orders evacuation of population exposed to flooding, lahar and landslide effective immediately to be completed before 5 p.m. today, October 22, 2024," Bongao said in her directive.
Bongao also directed the Department of Education and the school division offices of Albay, Tabaco, Legazpi and Ligao to prepare school buildings as temporary shelter for the evacuees.
She also ordered the Police Provincial Office to provide security at the evacuation centers and the evacuated communities.
Bongao also ordered the suspension of work in all government offices except those agencies whose functions are related to public safety, disaster risk reduction, health and related services. "Due to adverse effects of continuous rainfall and expected thunderstorms that may bring flooding, landslide and river swelling brought by Tropical Storm Kristine the Albay PDRRMC-Apsemo suspends work in all government offices in Albay except those agencies whose functions are related to public safety, disaster risk reduction, health and related services.
"Suspension of work in private offices will be at the discretion of their respective heads. Exempted from the suspension of work in private institutions are banks, money transfer/remittance agencies, malls, groceries, delivery services, distributors of commodities/supplies and drug stores," she said.
Following torrential rainfall brought by the bad weather disturbance, the Phivolcs also issued a lahar advisory for Mayon Volcano on Tuesday as Tropical Storm Kristine is expected to maintain its strength and bring heavy to intense rains over Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas.
Phivolcs said these rains could generate volcanic sediment flows or lahars, muddy stream flows or muddy run-off in rivers and drainage areas of Mayon Volcano.
Dr. Paul Alanis, Phivolcs resident volcanologist, told The Manila Times that Mayon Volcano ejected 49 million cubic meters of volcanic debris during the 2023 effusive eruption.
"It strongly recommends increased vigilance and readiness of communities in predetermined zones of lahar and related hazards on this volcano. Prolonged and heavy rainfall may generate non-eruption lahars along river/stream channels draining the Mayon edifice," Alanis said.
"Potential lahars and sediment-laden streamflows may occur along the Miisi, Binaan, Anoling, Quirangay, Maninila, Masarawag, Muladbucad, Nasisi, Mabinit, Matan-ag, Bonga, Buyuan, Basud, and Bulawan Channels in Albay Province," Alanis added.