The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council–Albay Provincial Safety and Emergency Management Office (PDRRMC-APSEMO) issued a disaster-avoidance advisory after the alert level of Mayon Volcano was raised from Alert Level 1 to Alert Level 2, indicating moderate unrest.
To ensure public safety and prevent possible disasters, provincial authorities on Thursday imposed several restrictions around the volcano.All human activities are strictly prohibited within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), including mountain climbing, orchid picking, and vegetable harvesting.
Tourist-related activities were also curtailed, with all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rides allowed only within the Cagsawa Ruins area, while operations in other locations are temporarily suspended.A no-fly zone was declared directly above Mayon Volcano, and access to Mayon Skyline has been temporarily closed until further notice.
The Philippine National Police, through the Albay Police Provincial Office, was directed to strictly enforce the restrictions in close coordination with concerned local government units.
Meanwhile, all city, municipal, and barangay disaster risk reduction and management councils surrounding Mayon were placed on preparedness and monitoring status. They were instructed to remain on heightened alert, closely coordinate with authorities, and mobilize resources as necessary.
The provincial government also urged the public to remain vigilant and rely only on official updates and further advisories from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and local authorities.
Governor Noel Ebriega Rosal said the measures are precautionary and aimed at minimizing risks to communities amid Mayon’s renewed volcanic activity.
The northeast monsoon is affecting Northern and Central Luzon, the shear line is affecting Southern Luzon, and easterlies are affecting the rest of the country.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Albay ramps up precautions amid Mayon moderate unrest”
