Preemptive evacuations start in Albay as LPA, 'habagat' affect PH

PREEMPTIVE EVACUATION. Military personnel and trucks wait for Barangay Masarawag residents in Guinobatan, Albay to evacuate on Friday (Aug. 22, 2025). A total of 643 families, or 1,931 individuals, began evacuating due to the effects of a low-pressure area and the southwest monsoon. (Photo courtesy of Nanet Balingasa Padua)

LEGAZPI CITY – Local disaster councils were ordered to carry out preemptive evacuations of residents in several areas of Guinobatan, Albay on Friday amid expected rains brought by a low-pressure area (LPA) and the southwest monsoon or "habagat."

In an advisory issued Thursday evening, Albay Governor Noel Rosal instructed the evacuation of residents in Puroks 4, 5, 6, and 8 of Barangay Masarawag.

Masarawag is one of the villages located near the foot of Mayon Volcano and is thus prone to lahar and floods.

"All residents are advised to take precautionary measures against hazards, such as flash floods, landslides, and possible lahar flows," Rosal said.

Face-to-face classes in all levels, both public and private schools, are suspended, with a shift to alternative learning modalities.

Rosal also advised the public that all river crossings, on foot or by vehicle, are prohibited until flooding subsides.

"All municipal and barangay DRRMCs (disaster risk reduction and management councils) are directed to stay on heightened alert, coordinate closely, and mobilize resources as needed," the order added.

In a separate interview, Guinobatan Mayor Gemma Ongoco said at least 643 families, or 1,931 individuals, were evacuated.

"We are now starting the evacuation. They will be evacuated to a community college campus," she said.
A huge part of the country will continue to experience rains caused by the LPA and the habagat, the weather bureau said.

The LPA, located 150 km. east of Baler, Aurora as of 3 a.m., has a high chance of developing into a tropical cyclone in the next 24 hours.

Scattered rains and thunderstorms are forecast over Metro Manila, the Ilocos and Cordillera regions, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur due to the LPA.

The same weather conditions will prevail over the rest of Luzon, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, the Bangsamoro region, Soccsksargen, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Occidental due to the habagat. (PNA)

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