THIS week, nearly 4,000 residents within Mayon volcano’s 6-km permanent danger zone have been evacuated, with volcanologists watching the volcano after it entered an active effusive phase this month.
This means magma is gently but continuously flowing out, creating lava flows and dome growth, but also leading to frequent rockfalls, pyroclastic density currents, and the potential for sudden, small explosions by the 2,463-meter high Mayon in Albay.
This signifies moderate unrest, requiring evacuation of the danger zone, characterized by lava outpours rather than violent explosions, but the instability of the new lava causes hazardous collapses.
This week, the Philippine Institute of Seismology and Volcanology (Phivolcs) of the Department of Science and Technology said Mayon has shown an increase in seismic energy release, while Alert Level 3 remains in effect.
Mayon entered an active effusive phase early this month – with pronounced increase in real time seismic energy release recorded by six of 16 stations of the Mayon Volcano Network – characterized by growth of a summit lava dome,as newly extruded lava became unstable and collapsed
“This increase was induced by background tremor while no other volcanic earthquakes have been detected, which may be due to prevailing fully open vent conditions as the volcano effusively erupts,” according to Phivolcs which monitors volcanic activities nationwide.
Phivolcs said no increases in swelling or ground deformation have been observed despite the energy release increase, sulfur dioxide emissions have remained “near background levels,” still averaging 777 tons per day as of last weekend.
But those within the permanent danger zone and placed in evacuation centers are facing challenges, authorities said, with an additional 8,000 individuals if the alert level is raised evetually.
Authorities and evacuees face numerous challenges during the Mayon evacuation efforts – they include, but are not limited to, logistical, health and safety risks, humanitarian issues, as well as communication and trust.
Evacuation centers, often set up in schools or covered courts, become cramped as the number of evacuees increases.
Health and safety risks cover cramped conditions and ashfall increase the risk of respiratory problems like coughs, colds, and asthma flare-ups, in which medical needs become critical, requiring regular check-ups to monitor chronic illnesses and identify potential outbreaks.
Humanitarian issues mean some residents are reluctant to leave their homes and farms due to concerns about their livelihoods and tending to their animals, posing a challenge to the “zero-casualty” goal.
Then building trust in government efforts is essential for effective disaster response, ensuring communities feel supported and engaged during a crisis.
Heartening to note that authorities are coordinating efforts across various agencies, including the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Philippine National Police, to address these challenges and ensure the safety and well-being of the affected populations.
