Attachments
Provide any updates in the situation since the field report and explain what is expected to happen.
The current status of Mayon Volcano has de-escalated from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2 as of 8 December 2023. This indicates a reduction of unrest and a decreased likelihood of eruption compared to the previous months.
For the past months, the volcano had been showing signs of activity such as slow effusion of lava flow extending along various gullies. Below is a chronological account of volcanic activities of Mayon Volcano, along the corresponding dates:
On 5 June 2023, the alert status of Mayon Volcano was raised to Alert Level 2 (Increasing Unrest), following a sharp increase in the incidence of rockfall from its summit lava dome from an average of 5 events per day in May 2023 to 49 events on 5 June 2023. This status indicated that Mayon Volcano exhibited a magmatic eruption of a summit lava dome, which increased the chances of lava flows and hazardous Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDC) affecting the upper to middle slopes of the volcano. Furthermore, it exhibited health hazards due to ashfall and volcanic gas emissions to nearby communities.
Consequently, the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS-DOST) advised the public to avoid entry into the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and to be vigilant against the effects of volcanic hazards, including rockfalls, landslides, and ashfall. The agency further urged local government units to implement necessary preparations and contingency measures to ensure the safety of their constituents.
A state of calamity was declared in Albay on 9 June 2023, which indicated the severity of the situation and the urgent need for government response to ensure the safety and welfare of those affected. The mandatory evacuation of residents within the PDZ was necessary precaution to prevent loss of life and property damage from the potential hazards of volcanic activity. An increase in rockfall and pyroclastic density observed highlighted the unpredictability and danger of Mayon Volcano. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (NDRRMC) recommendation for the evacuation of the population within the PDZ and the preparation of those within the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) demonstrated the importance of being prepared for disasters and taking proactive measures to minimize the impact. The evacuation efforts were carried out in coordination with local government units, national agencies, and non-government organizations to ensure that the needs of the affected population were met. Additionally, the Government provided support in terms of relief goods, medical assistance, and transportation to people displaced at evacuation centres.
On 26 June 2023, there was an increased seismic activity and ground deformation in Mayon Volcano. Eruptive activity dominated by weak aseismic effusion of degassed lava from summit crater. Following an eruptive activity of Mayon Volcano on 30 June 2023. It was dominated by generation of dome-collapse PDC on the Based Gully on the eastern slopes.
The very slow effusion of lava from the summit crater of Mayon Volcano that was observed since 11 June 2023 continued to feed lava flows and collapse debris on the Mi-isi (south) and Bonga (Southeastern) gullies until 10 August 2023. The lava flows advanced to maximum lengths 2,800 meters from the summit while the collapsed debris have deposited up to 4,000 meters from the crater. Volcanic earthquakes, rockfall events, and PDCs have also been observed.
As of 3 September 2023, Alert Level 3 is maintained over Mayon Volcano, which means that it was a relatively high level of unrest and hazardous eruption within weeks or even days could still be possible.
However, on 8 December 2023, Mayon’s alert level status 3 has decreased tendency towards hazardous eruption to alert level 2 (moderate level of unrest), according to Phivolcs.
Scope and Scale
The recent volcanic activity in the area has resulted in the disruption of the lives of many families and communities. According to NDRRMC SitRep No. 76, a total of 9,876 families or 38,396 persons in 26 barangays were affected, of which 5,016 families or 17,604 persons were served inside 24 evacuation centers, and 418 families or 1,453 persons were served outside evacuation centers.
In addition, the Department of Education suspended classes in six schools located within the 6-7 km PDZ due to the ongoing volcanic activity. Furthermore, 39 identified schools that were intended to function as evacuation centers for pre-evacuated families have also been affected.
The Albay Province Local Government declared a state of calamity for 18 cities/municipalities in the area. This declaration enabled the authorities to respond more effectively to the needs of the affected communities. The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office V (DA-RFO5) advised farmers to move their animals to safer areas and secure their farming equipment and machinery. A total of 1,120 animals were evacuated. All farming activities within the danger zone were temporarily discontinued, inevitably limiting the regular livelihood activities of the affected families and communities.
Furthermore, the Department of Health Bicol Centre for Health Development (DOH CHD V) conducted 8,225 cumulative consultations from 12 June to 1 September 2023, in different evacuation centers in Albay. Of these consultations, the top 10 causes were cough, colds, or sore throat with or without fever; headache; open wounds and bruises; loose stools; high blood pressure; eye itchiness, redness with or without discharge; toothache; other disease syndromes not specified above; and skin disease.
Despite the challenges brought about by the volcanic activity, there are no reported damages to houses or infrastructures. Water supply, seaports, airports, and lifelines are working properly.