MANILA — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday urged local government units (LGUs) near Mayon and Kanlaon volcanoes to stay on high alert and prepare for possible evacuations as heavy rains from Tropical Depression (TD) Ada may trigger lahar or volcanic mudflows.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said TD Ada is expected to bring heavy to intense rainfall over Southern Luzon from January 16 to 17, 2026, raising the risk of lahar—fast-moving flows of volcanic debris and mud—especially in areas near the two active volcanoes.

For Mayon Volcano, communities near rivers and channels such as Mi-isi and Binaan in Daraga; Mabinit, Bonga, Matanag, Buyuan, and Padang in Legazpi City; Lidong and Basud Rivers in Sto. Domingo; and Masarawag, Maninila, and nearby channels in Guinobatan, Albay are considered at risk.

Around Kanlaon Volcano, residents in Bago City, La Carlota City, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, San Carlos City in Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental—particularly those near the Ibid, Cotcot, Talaptapan, and Malaiba rivers—are advised to be prepared.

In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to act before disasters strike, the DILG called on LGUs to closely monitor conditions in lahar-prone areas and strengthen preparedness measures to protect lives.

Local chief executives may order preemptive or mandatory evacuations if communities are deemed at high risk. LGUs were also advised to convene their Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and conduct Pre-Disaster Risk Assessments with particular focus on lahar hazards.