OCD begins evacuation of 9,900 families around Mayon

The evacuation of about 9,900 families around Mayon Volcano in Albay province began Tuesday after state volcanologists raised alert level 3 in the area Monday evening. Rafael Alejandro IV, head of the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD)-Bicol, said the families to be evacuated are those living within the six- and seven-kilometer danger zones around the volcano. “Ngayong umaga meron tayong mandatory evacuation sa loob ng 6-km permanent danger zone at 7-km extended danger zone. Ililikas ang halos 9,900 na mga pamilya. So ang immediate na ire-relocate ay 3,000 (This morning we start the mandatory evacuation in the 6-km permanent danger zone and the 7-km extended danger zone. We are looking at 9,900 families, of which around 3,000 are targeted for immediate evacuation)," Alejandro said in an interview on dzXL radio. He said his office is coordinating with the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Albay provincial government. Citing reports reaching him, Alejandro said Mayon’s activity had been increasing, and an ash explosion is expected soon. He noted that "the local government could take of evacuees’ needs for up to four weeks. But beyond that, the national government and international groups would have to help." On Monday night, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) placed Mayon Volcano under Alert Level 3 after noting increased volcanic activity there in the past weeks. Phivolcs described Alert Level 3 as being characterized by high volcanic unrest such as frequent quakes and tremor. Further increase in sulfur dioxide flow is notable. There would be occurrences of rockfalls at the summit area. There would be vigorous steaming and sustained crater glow signaling that magma is rising closer to the crater. As these signs appear, eruption is possible within weeks. Solidum's appeal Phivolcs director Renato Solidum Jr. said ash explosions in past months and increasing volcanic quakes may indicate that magma is moving slowly up the crater. “Di pa naman (mapanganib) pero siyempre minsan mabilis ang pangyayari. Minsan, di masyadong marami ang sulfur dioxide emission at di pa nababara ang crater so far. Ayaw natin nababara ang bunganga dahil mag-iipon yan ng pressure at magkaroon ng explosive eruption," Solidum said in an interview on dzBB radio Tuesday morning. (For now, Mayon activity does not pose an imminent danger. But sulfur dioxide may build up and clog the crater. An obstruction near the crater could lead to too much pressure that may result in an explosive eruption). Solidum said that once the eruption becomes explosive and pyroclastic materials and gas shoot up at 60 kph, Phivolcs may declare Alert Level 5. Alert level 5 is when there is an ongoing hazardous eruption. It is characterized by the occurrence of pyroclastic flows, tall eruption columns and extensive ashfall. Pyroclastic flows may sweep down along gullies and channels, especially along those fronting the low part(s) of the crater rim. Additional danger areas may be identified as eruption progresses. Thick ash cloud could endanger aircraft flying nearby, depending on the height of eruption column and/or wind drift. Solidum appealed to tourists anew not to venture near the volcano’s danger zones. "Tourists should stay away at least 8 km from the volcano. If they want to view it, they should stay at the Legazpi City area, a distance of about 12 km from Mayon. They should not venture near the area where pyroclastic material is being spewed. That would be dangerous," he said. Evacuation plans readied since July Last July 10, Phivolcs raised the alert level at Mayon Volcano to 2 after noting “moderate unrest" there in past weeks. Phivolcs noted that since June 2009, there had been an increase in the current activity of Mayon Volcano. At the time, provincial officials in Albay already mapped out evacuation plans, including forced evacuation of residents near the volcano.

Cedric Daep, head of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO), said provincial governor Jose Salceda also banned mountain-climbing activities in Mayon. Daep said evacuation plans would be implemented once Alert Level 3 is raised. “Once Mayon is placed under Alert Level 3, we will execute mandatory evacuation. The danger zones would be declared a no-human-activity area. Under mandatory evacuation, there will be a 24-hour curfew and we will place security personnel there)," he said. List of eruptions Phivolcs’ Website on Mayon said the volcano has had at least 40 eruptions since February 1616. The most destructive eruption occurred Feb. 1, 1814, when pyroclastic flows, volcanic lightning, and lahar affected Camalig, Cagsawa, Budiao, Guinobatan and half of Albay. At least 1,200 were listed as casualties. The second most destructive eruption was from June 4 to July 23, 1897, as pyroclastic flow, lava flow, lahar and volcanic lightning caused 350 casualties. On July 20-24, 1766, pyroclastic and lava flows destroyed Malinao and damaged Cagsawa, Guinobatan, Budiao, Polangui and Ligao. There were 39 casualties. On July 7, 1853, 34 casualties were listed as ashfall and pyroclastic flow and lahar affected Camalig, Guinobatan, Ligao, Oas, Polangui, Malilipot, Bacacay, and Cagsawa. From Feb. 2 to April 4, 1993, pyroclastic and lava flow killed 77 and injured five. Mayon erupted again from July to October 2006. In August 2006, government ordered the evacuation of people living near the volcano. On Oct. 3, 2006, Phivolcs downgraded the threat level to Alert Level 2. On Oct. 25, it downgraded the threat level to Alert Level 1. But on Nov. 30 that year, Typhoon Durian caused mudslides of volcanic ash and boulders from the slopes of Mayon Volcano, burying at least 1,000. - LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV