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Tropical Storm Nokaen Threatens Mayon Volcano with Dangerous Lahars

Tropical Storm Nokaen, the first cyclone of the year, is moving toward the eastern coast of southern Luzon in the Philippines. The storm is forecast to bring intense rainfall that could trigger dangerous lahars around the active Mayon Volcano. Authorities warn these volcanic mudflows could inundate communities, cause severe injuries, and complicate existing evacuation efforts. Residents in Albay province are urged to remain alert as the storm approaches.

Key Points: Storm Nokaen Raises Lahar Risk at Philippines' Mayon Volcano

  • First cyclone of 2024
  • May trigger volcanic sediment flows
  • Could bring 100-200mm rainfall
  • Threatens already displaced communities
2 min read

Tropical storm Nokaen raises lahar risk near Philippines' Mayon volcano

Tropical Storm Nokaen threatens to trigger deadly lahars around restive Mayon Volcano in the Philippines, complicating evacuations and emergency efforts.

"Heavy to intense rainfall may generate syn-eruption lahars on major channels draining the southern to eastern slopes of Mayon Volcano - Phivolcs"

Manila, Jan 16

The first tropical cyclone of this year, tropical storm Nokaen, locally named Ada, may trigger lahars and muddy streamflows around Mayon Volcano on Luzon island, authorities said on Friday.

The state weather bureau, PAGASA, said Nokaen is packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometres per hour near the center, with gusts of up to 80 kilometres per hour. The storm is moving slowly northward over the Philippine Sea, east of the Eastern Visayas in central Philippines.

In its tropical cyclone advisory issued Friday, PAGASA said Nokaen is expected to affect the eastern coast of southern Luzon this weekend.

Due to its projected track, the storm could bring heavy to intense rainfall of 100 to 200 millimetres, particularly over areas surrounding Mayon Volcano in Albay province.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned that intense rainfall from the storm could trigger volcanic sediment flows or lahars in rivers and drainage channels around the volcano, which has been restive since January 1, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Heavy to intense rainfall may generate syn-eruption lahars on major channels draining the southern to eastern slopes of Mayon Volcano by incorporating loose material from new pyroclastic density current deposits of its ongoing eruption," Phivolcs said in an advisory.

It also warned that hot lahars could cause scalding upon contact, potentially leading to severe and life-threatening injuries.

Phivolcs further cautioned that older, erodible eruption deposits on the southwestern slopes of Mayon could be remobilised as non-eruption lahars.

"Such lahars could threaten downstream communities through inundation, boulder impacts, burial and washout, even reaching coastal areas off the volcano's eastern slopes," it said.

In Albay province, thousands of residents living near Mayon's slopes have already been displaced by ongoing volcanic activity. Officials warned that heavy rains from Nokaen could worsen conditions in evacuation centers and complicate emergency response efforts.

Residents in affected and nearby areas were urged to take necessary precautions and remain alert for further advisories as tropical storm Nokaen continues to move northward.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Nature's fury on full display. Reading about "hot lahars" causing scalding injuries is terrifying. It reminds us in India how vulnerable our own coastal and hilly regions can be during cyclones. We need to learn from such events and strengthen our own disaster management.
A
Arjun K
The science behind this is both fascinating and scary. "Syn-eruption lahars" – incorporating fresh volcanic material with storm rain. Phivolcs seems to be doing a good job with clear warnings. Timely evacuation is the only way. Stay safe, Philippines.
S
Sarah B
Having visited the beautiful Mayon region years ago, this news is heartbreaking. The resilience of the people there is incredible. I hope international aid is ready to mobilize if needed. The mention of complicating emergency response is the real worry.
V
Vikram M
A respectful criticism: While the article is informative, it would help to have a simple map or graphic showing the storm's projected path relative to the volcano. For common people, understanding the geography is key to grasping the risk.
K
Karthik V
This is exactly why climate change adaptation is not just a buzzword. More intense storms meeting active geological zones. Our thoughts are with our Filipino brothers and sisters. Jai Hind.

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