According to PHIVOLCS, the volcano continued to exhibit intensified activities for the past observation period. The seismic network recorded a total of 197 volcanic quake and tremors, 18 of these events were explosion type.
However, only 15 were observed during times of good visibility. These explosions produced dirty white to grayish ash columns that reached the height from 100 to 200 meters above the summit before drifting towards southwest.
Harmonic tremors were continuously recorded. Night observation showed an intensified crater glow and continuous rolling down of incandescent materials from the crater. The advancing lava flow has now reached approximately from 4 km down slope from the crater along Bonga Gully. Sulfur Dioxide emission increased from 1, 065 to 2, 034 tonnes a day.
Because of this, the Red Cross mobilized 4 staff and 15 volunteers to be in control of the areas, coordinating with the Local Government Unit (LGU) in providing assistance to those who are already in the evacuation centers.
The organization has taken action in withdrawing 100 sacks of NFA rice and in canvassing of prices of noodles and sardines, in anticipation for relief distribution.
It also coordinated with the C/MDCCs/BFP for the installation of 2 Flexible Water Tank/Bladder at Albay Central School and Bagumbayan Central School in Legazpi City.
As of yesterday of 5:00 p.m., there are 8, 442 families with 40, 093 individuals who were evacuated and affected by the situation. These evacuees came from 3 cities and 5 municipalities with 30 barangays.
In addition to the 19 evacuation centers that were reported earlier, 5 centers were added summing up to a total of 24 evacuation centers at present.
Meanwhile, Philippine Red Cross' Chairman Richard Gordon stresses the importance of Red Cross 143 in this kind of situation.
"Red Cross 143 is very crucial as it gives each chapter a direct line from the National Headquarters, hastening communication and action," he said.
Through this, the Philippine Red Cross would be able to respond more in the needs of the people.