Rains trigger Bulusan lahar flow

MANILA, Philippines – Rains triggered a lahar flow down the slopes of the restive Bulusan volcano in Sorsogon province on Sunday.

The lahar flow occurred in Barangay Cogon, Irosin town, according to ABS-CBN News’ Jeff Canoy.

It did not affect residents’ properties. 

Villagers, however, expressed fears saying that it could worsen if the rains continue.

Lahar is a type of mudflow or debris flow composed of pyroclastic material, rocky debris, and water. The material flows down from a volcano, typically along a river valley.

The term "lahar" originated in the Javanese language of Indonesia, according to Wikipedia.

Heavy rains after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in Central Luzon in 1991 resulted in lahar flows killing at least 1,500 people and destroying billions of pesos worth of properties. – with a report from Jeff Canoy, ABS-CBN News