Albay prepares for Mayon eruption

BEAUTIFUL AND PERILOUS Mount Mayon in Albay appears calm from a distance on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, but it may erupt anytime. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the restive volcano might produce pyroclastic flows due to the lava dome blocking the volcano’s crater. Photo by Rhaydz B. Barcia

By Rhaydz Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY: The provincial government of Albay is bracing for a complex disaster as Mount Mayon is again showing signs of an impending eruption amid the typhoon season and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Gov. Noel Rosal urged the province's disaster officials to prepare for an intricate situation after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) resident volcanologist, Dr. Paul Alanis, warned of a possible lava-dome collapse that might generate pyroclastic flows.

Rosal also called for an emergency meeting with national government agencies and disaster responders to discuss the measures, guidelines and strict enforcement of a no-man's land within the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone.

The new governor of Albay told the disaster officials of various local government units to bar civilians, specifically the farmers toiling on the fertile soils of the Mayon Volcano slopes, from entering the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone.

Rosal also ordered all the local government units to start evacuating residents living inside the no-man's land to ensure their safety and security.

Alanis warned of a possible collapse of the lava dome from the summit, which might generate pyroclastic flows that would cascade down the southeast quadrant of the volcano facing Legazpi City, Sto. Domingo, Daraga and Camalig.

Phivolcs hoisted Alert Level 1 over Mayon Volcano on Sunday afternoon, August 21, for exhibiting restiveness.

Alanis said the lava dome at the volcano's crater generating a faint glow may crumble anytime, posing danger to the people who might enter the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone.