Seismic monitoring also revealed occurrence of seventy-eight (78) volcanic earthquakes - representing magma ascent towards the crater of the volcano and tremors associated to the detached fragments of lava and rock falls.
Because of this, Philippine Red Cross' staff and volunteers are on close-monitoring and on duty 24/7 for further intervention on the situation. The organization also deployed volunteers to different evacuation centers to conduct assessment on existing service facilities and to ensure the health and welfare of the evacuees.
As of 5:00 pm of December 17, there is a total of 7, 051 families with 33, 614 individuals in 19 evacuation centers from 7 municipalities and 22 barangays in Albay. The families took shelter on mandatory evacuation centers: Daraga-1.) Anislag Relocation Site P-3, 2.) Daraga High School, 3.) Anislag Relocation Site B-1, 4.) Daraga North C.S; Camalig-1.) Bariw E.S, 2.) Baligang E.S., 3.) Palanog E.S., 4.) Camalig NHS, 5.) FVR Tagaytay R. S; Legaspi City-1.) San Roque E. S., 2.) Albay Central School, 3.) Bagumbayan C. S., 4.) Gogon C. S.; Tabaco City-1.) San Antonio E. S., 2.) Mayon E. S., 3.) Bantayan E.S.; Malilipot-1.) San Jose E.M., 2.) Malilipot C.S.; Sto. Domingo-1.) Bical NHS; and Ligao-at 1.) Amtic H.S.
The Red Cross is on a standby mode with regard to relief distribution which is targeted to take place within this week. SMART Phils. Inc., which is based in Region 5 coordinated with the Red Cross Albay Chapter for possible installation of "Libreng Tawag" to different evacuation centers.
"We would like to ensure the welfare of the people, and make them feel convenient even outside the comforts of their own home, " Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon said.
He further added that the best way to feel the essence of this season is to help those who are vulnerable and less fortunate of the population.
"In this way, we would really be fulfilled during this season of giving," he said.