Tens of thousands of people evacuated from the area around Mayon Volcano in the Philippines will spend their Christmas and even beyond in temporary shelters, according to press releases.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned on Sunday afternoon that an explosive eruption of Mayon Volcano in the Philippines is possible within days as it raised the alert level status from 3 to 4.
A total of 8,080 families or 38,528 persons have already been forcibly evacuated as of Thursday, December 17, 2009 as reported by the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC). They have been transferred to at least 45 designated evacuation centers in Legaspi City and other neighboring towns and cities in Albay.
The evacuation of livestock animals was also implemented so that the owners will have no reasons to go back to the danger areas
Alert Level 4 has already been hoisted because there was a sudden acceleration in volcanic activities such as more frequent volcanic quakes, and that the volcano was belching more sulphur dioxide.
The highest alert is Level 5 which means that eruption is already occurring that can be observed through occurrence of pyroclastic flows, tall perception columns and extensive ash falls. This is a sign that a hazardous eruption can occur within days.
Philvocs recommended an Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) of eight kilometers or five miles from the summit to ensure the safety of the public. It also advised those in the areas adjacent to the EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event explosive eruptions intensify.
This is, indeed, a tough time for our mga kababayan, especially so that Christmas is only a few days away.
Hello there – just a little note to say thanks for this article. Very interesting.
Kawawa naman ang mga apektado lalo na nga at magpapasko. Nawa’y makayanan nilang batahin ang malaking hirap na kanilang nararanasan ngayon. Ipagdasal natin sila.
Valuable thoughts and advices. I read your topic with great interest.