NEWSFLASH

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RAINS BRING LAHAR TO PAMPANGA, ALERT ON

San Fernando, Pampanga, May 31, 1998 - Five Pampanga towns are now in danger of being swept away by lahar as continuing rains batter the slopes of Mount Pinatubo, bringing down dangerous volumes of lahar.

Philippine Volcanology and Seismology Institute direct or Raymundo Punongbayan said lahar is threatening the towns of San Fernando, Santo Tomas, Minalin, Santa Rita and Guagua.

He added that Lubao town could also be devastated by flowing lahar should the dike be breached by the force of rampaging waters and lahar.

Punongbayan warned residents of the threatened towns, especially those living near the rivers, to prepare for evacuation once the situation becomes critical.

The weather bureau announced earlier that the rainy season has finally started. It also warned that at least 14 typhoons could be expected this year.