Manila, May 4: Thousands of residents are being relocated to safety following an eruption at Mayon Volcano on Sunday, as reported by the Philippines’ government news agency.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has issued an advisory, maintaining the alert level at three out of five for Mayon Volcano. This level indicates that magma is near or at the surface, posing a risk of dangerous eruptions in the coming weeks. The danger zone extends up to eight kilometers from the volcano’s active crater.
According to the institute, lava is flowing in several valleys of the volcano. Additionally, intermittent small explosions (Strombolian activity) and brief lava fountaining are occurring.
The report also notes continuous pyroclastic density currents (PDC) and ashfall on the southwestern slopes of the volcano. Access to the permanent danger zone, which spans six kilometers, has been restricted. Furthermore, flights near the volcano have been suspended.
The advisory warns of potential hazards, including rockfalls, landslides, ballistic projectiles, lava flows, and fountaining, medium-sized eruptions, and lahar (volcanic mudflows) during heavy rainfall.
Approximately 1,325 families have been affected by this situation. Water supply will be limited in the villages of Quitago, Maguiron, Inamnan Pequeno, Iraya, San Francisco, Travesia, San Rafael, Inamnan Grande, Kalzada, Morera, Poblacion, and Ilawod.
The report further states that the Department of Public Works and Highways, water purification units, and sanitation teams will work to clear roads and assist in affected areas.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development will distribute food packs, ready-to-eat meals, and hygiene kits to families at the evacuation centers.
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