By Janine Dumaguin
Entry to Mayon Volcano’s six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reminded the public on Tuesday, Feb. 21.
Phivolcs issued the reminder as members of the search and rescue (SAR) team looking for the missing Cessna plane focused on the slope of Mayon Volcano as the crash site of the aircraft was identified near its crater.
“Phivolcs recognizes the urgent necessity of the search and rescue mission and recommends that only professionally trained personnel should conduct this,” the agency said.
“If there are attempts to mount any rescue activity, the SAR teams should be aware of the risks they are taking,” it added.
Phivolcs also warned SAR teams of possible hazards, including sudden phreatic or steam-driven eruptions and rockfalls from the summit.
“These hazards are higher on the more susceptible gullies on the slopes; the Cessna lies on a gully,” Phivolcs said, noting that the upper slopes of Mayon are slippery due to the lava.
“The SAR techniques to use should consider these hazards. Other than this, our Institute cannot comment on the appropriate SAR techniques to be used; this is beyond our competency,” it added.
Phivolcs also reminded the SAR team to “have standby contingencies” and closely coordinate with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration for weather updates.
The agency also vowed to closely monitor and provide updates of Mayon for the duration of the SAR operations.
Mayon Volcano is currently under Alert Level 2 or moderate level of volcanic unrest. – gb
