HEAVY rainfall is expected in areas along the path of typhoon Ambo, which has strengthened into a severe tropical storm as of Wednesday with maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center and gustiness of up to 115 km/h. Based on weather bureau PAGASA’s 5 p.m. update, Ambo was located 315 km east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar and still moving west-northwest towards Camarines Sur. On Thursday, moderate to heavy rains are expected over the Eastern Visayas Region, and the provinces of Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate. By Friday afternoon, Ambo is forecasted to be 20 km north-northwest of Daet, Camarines Norte. “Flooding and rain-induced landslides may occur in highly to very highly susceptible areas during heavy or prolonged rainfall,” PAGASA warned. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), meanwhile, warned of possible lahar flows in river channels around Mayon Volcano. “Prolonged and heavy rainfall may generate post-eruption lahars on major channels draining the Mayon Volcano edifice,” the agency said. Mayon erupted and was highly active in January-March 2018, leaving thick pyroclastic deposits and remnant ashfall along its slopes. PHIVOLCS said communities and local government units in these areas should prepare for evacuation.

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