By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
After the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the Mayon Volcano’s status to Alert Level 3 on Tuesday following signs of unrest monitored by the agency since January 1, the agency has recorded 131 rockfall events, five pyroclastic density currents, and ground deformation at Mayon in the last 24 hours.
In a media release on Wednesday, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged local government units (LGUs) in areas within proximity of Mayon to lead the evacuation of their constituents.
The agency moreover, directed local chief executives to bar entry within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ), with Phivolcs warning of an imminent eruption as the volcano continues to exhibit signs of activity.
LGUs were also urged to remain alert for pyroclastic density currents (PDC), lahar, and sediment-laden streamflows along channels draining the edifice.
The DILG warned that heavy rainfall could trigger channel-confined lahar and sediment-laden streamflows in channels where PDC deposits have accumulated.
Furthermore, LGUs were advised to establish and strictly implement the critical preparedness actions based on Operation L!STO Protocols for Volcanic Eruption – Mayon Volcano and their respective contingency plans to guide necessary response measures.
Earlier, Albay Governor Noel Rosal directed all disaster risk reduction and management councils to be in the “highest alert monitoring status”, with the Philippine National Police – Albay Provincial Office and Philippine Army tasked with securing the perimeter of the PDZ.
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