MANILA: Authorities have urged residents near Mayon Volcano to remain vigilant due to potential lahar flows as Tropical Storm Kristine is expected to bring significant rainfall from Tuesday to Wednesday. Concurrently, Cebu Pacific has announced the cancellation of 15 flights due to the storm’s impact.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued an advisory warning that heavy rains could trigger lahar, or volcanic sediment flows, in the rivers and drainage areas surrounding Mayon Volcano. The storm is forecast to bring heavy to intense rainfall over the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas, raising concerns of possible lahar events in several channels in Albay Province.
Phivolcs highlighted that non-eruption lahars and sediment-laden streamflows might occur along the Miisi, Binaan, Anoling, Quirangay, Maninila, Masarawag, Muladbucad, Nasisi, Mabinit, Matanag, Bonga, Buyuan, Basud, and Bulawan Channels. These lahars could pose a threat to communit
ies situated along the middle and lower slopes, as well as downstream areas, with risks of inundation, burial, and washout. Residents in pre-determined hazard zones have been advised to remain prepared and vigilant.
In response to the adverse weather conditions, Cebu Pacific has canceled a total of 15 flights scheduled for Tuesday. The affected routes include flights between Manila and Naga, Manila and Masbate, Manila and Legazpi, Cebu and Calbayog, Cebu and Legazpi, and Manila and Virac. Passengers on these flights are offered options to refund their tickets, store the amount in a virtual CEB wallet, or rebook their flights within 30 days from the original schedule.