Phivolcs warns of possible lahar flows from Pinatubo, Taal volcanoes amid habagat
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Saturday, August 29, warned of possible lahar and volcanic debris flows from Mt. Pinatubo and Taal Volcano as heavy rains from the southwest monsoon or habagat continue to affect parts of Luzon.
Heavy rains may trigger lahars, muddy streamflows and runoff in rivers and drainage areas, according to Phivolcs advisory.
“Prolonged and intense rainfall may generate non-eruption lahars on major rivers draining western Pinatubo Volcano where significant deposits of the 1991 pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) remain on the watershed,” Phivolcs said.
Lahar flows from Pinatubo are likely to remain confined to channels along the upper to middle reaches of the Sto. Tomas-Marella and Bucao river systems, the agency said.
The flows may transition into muddy streamflows and flooding in the lower reaches, potentially affecting communities in San Marcelino, San Narciso, San Felipe and Botolan in Zambales.
Muddy streamflows may also develop along the O'Donnell and Pasig-Potrero river systems, which drain Pinatubo toward the north and southeast, respectively.
Downstream communities in Tarlac and Pampanga could be affected.
Taal Volcano
Phivolcs also warned of possible muddy streamflows, runoff and volcanic debris flows around Taal Volcano, particularly on the slopes west and north of Taal Lake.
“Prolonged and heavy rainfall may also generate muddy streamflow, muddy runoff and even volcanic debris flows around Taal Volcano, particularly on the slopes west and north of Taal Lake,” it said.
Loose volcanic deposits that have become saturated from previous rains could be remobilized through streams, roads and lakeward slopes.
Muddy and debris flows could recur in Agoncillo, Laurel and Talisay in Batangas, Phivolcs said.
The agency urged communities and local government units in the identified areas to continue monitoring weather conditions and take preemptive measures to ensure the safety of residents.
The warning comes as the southwest monsoon continues to bring heavy rains over parts of Luzon, with several areas placed under rainfall warnings on Saturday.
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