The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is calling on all Local Chief Executives (LCEs) in Albay Province to undertake immediate and proactive preparedness actions in anticipation of possible lahar flows from Mayon Volcano due to heavy rains expected from Tropical Cyclone “Opong.”

According to the latest DOST-PHIVOLCS Lahar Advisory, intense rains beginning this afternoon, September 25, through Friday, September 26, may remobilize loose volcanic materials deposited from past eruptions, particularly in the Miisi, Mabinit, Buyuan, and Basud Channels. These may generate dangerous lahar flows and sediment-laden streamflows that can cause flooding, burial, and washout in downstream communities. Areas at particular risk include the Miisi, Binaan, Anoling, Quirangay, Maninila, Masarawag, Muladbucad, Nasisi, Mabinit, Matanag, Basud, and Bulawan Channels in Albay.

The DILG directed all LCEs to coordinate closely with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) V to maintain vigilance and readiness in lahar-prone zones. LGUs must monitor weather conditions and carry out preemptive response measures to ensure public safety.

LCEs are expected to convene their respective Local DRRM Councils and conduct Pre-Disaster Risk Assessments (PDRA) with focus on lahar hazards in coordination with DOST-PHIVOLCS, DENR-MGB, and other concerned agencies. These assessments must cover updated data on high-risk settlements, deployment of personnel for mapping and damage assessments, validation of safe evacuation sites and routes, and contingency planning specific to lahar threats.

Other critical LGU actions include: conducting an inventory of available manpower and resources, particularly in high-risk barangays; ensuring effective communication systems; prepositioning rescue assets; and initiating preemptive or mandatory evacuations when necessary.

The DILG Regional Office V, in coordination with the RDRRMC V, is tasked to ensure that all LGUs in the province implement the minimum preparedness measures recommended by DOST-PHIVOLCS.

This directive is aligned with the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen climate resilience and disaster response capabilities of local government units. The President has emphasized the need for anticipatory action to protect lives and livelihoods, especially in climate-vulnerable areas such as Bicol.

Original Article At: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-to-Albay-LGUs-Implement-Urgent-Preparedness-Measures-Against-Possible-Mayon-Lahar-Hazards-Amid-Tropical-Cyclone-Opong/NC-2025-1213