Pinatubo, Taal lahar flow warning issued as monsoon rains persist

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Saturday warned of possible lahar flows in Pinatubo and Taal volcanoes amid continuous rains.

Phivolcs warned that prolonged heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon or “habagat” may generate lahar, or volcanic sediment flows, and muddy streamflow in rivers and drainage areas near the volcanoes.

“Prolonged and intense rainfall may generate non-eruption lahars on major rivers draining western Pinatubo Volcano where significant deposits of the 1991 PDCs remain on the watershed,” Phivolcs said in an advisory.

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READ: Red rainfall warning up in Metro Manila, Luzon areas on Saturday

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It added that the lahar from Pinatubo may occur on the upper to middle reaches of Sto. Tomas-Marella and Bucao river systems. 

Meanwhile, the muddy stream flows may affect the lower reaches and communities of Zambales, including San Marcelino, San Narciso, San Felipe, and Botolan. 

The volcanic sediments may also occur along the O’Donnell and Pasig-Potrero River systems and affect downstream communities in Tarlac and Pampanga Provinces.

Heavy rainfall may also cause muddy streamflow and even volcanic debris around Taal volcano, primarily on the west and north slopes of the lake.

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These can affect parts of Batangas provinces, particularly Agoncillo, Laurel and Talisay.

Phivolcs advised the affected communities to continuously monitor weather conditions and to take precautionary measures when necessary. /gsg