Families Evacuate Albay Town Amid Lahar Flows Caused by Low Pressure Area

Guinobatan: A total of 95 families from Guinobatan, Albay are taking temporary shelter in an evacuation center due to lahar flows caused by continuous rains from a low pressure area. Guinobatan Mayor Gemma Ongoco said Tuesday that the affected families are from Barangay Masarawag, specifically in Purok 4, 5, 6, and 8, which are located near the foot of Mayon Volcano.

According to Philippines News Agency, the evacuated families are now staying in the campus of Guinobatan Community College. Mayor Ongoco mentioned in an interview that the local government unit has recorded 643 families affected by the flash floods, and more are still evacuating, indicating that the situation is ongoing. The local government has prepared breakfast for the evacuees, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has provided family food packs for the affected families.

Other barangays in the area are under continuous monitoring, especially those at risk of flooding, lahar, flash floods, and landslides. The region's six provinces have a ready stockpile and prepositioned goods to assist affected residents.

As of Tuesday, a total of PHP176.11 million worth of non-food and food items is available in Bicol. The weather bureau reported that as of 8 a.m., the low pressure area has a "medium" chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours. It was last tracked over the coastal waters of Siruma, Camarines Sur.