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Description of the Event
Approximate date of impact
On 5 June 2023, the Philippines Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS), a department of the Department of Science and Technology, raised the status alert level for Mayon Volcano in Albay Province, Region V (Bicol Region) from Alert Level 1 to Alert Level 2. This decision was taken due to the repeated collapses of the growing summit dome of the volcano, which caused an increasing number and volume of rockfall events.
What is expected to happen?
The average number of rockfall events per day increased from 5 to 49. Further, on 8 June 2023, PHIVOLCS-DOST raised the alert status of Mayon Volcano from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 3. During the period of 5-8 June 2023, a total of 267 rockfall events and 2 volcanic earthquakes were recorded. Additionally, three Pyroclastic Density Current (PDC) events were observed on the Bonga (southeast) and Basud (east) Gullies.
This new status indicates that Mayon Volcano is exhibiting a magmatic eruption of a summit lava dome, which increases the chances of lava flows and hazardous PDCs affecting the upper to middle slopes of the volcano. There is also a potential for ashfall and volcanic gas emissions that can pose health hazards to nearby communities. As a result, PHILVOCS-DOST advises 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 also urges local government units to implement necessary preparations and contingency measures to ensure the safety of their constituents.
The declaration of a state of calamity in Albay on 9 June 2023, indicates 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 is a necessary precaution to prevent loss of life and property damage from the potential hazards of volcanic activity.
The increase in rockfall and pyroclastic density observed in recent days highlights the unpredictability and danger of Mayon Volcano. The NDRRMC's recommendation for the evacuation of the population within the PDZ and the preparation of those within the EDZ demonstrates the importance of being prepared for disasters and taking proactive measures to minimize their impact.
The evacuation efforts are being carried out in coordination with local government units, national agencies, and non-government organizations to ensure that the needs of the affected population are met. The government is also providing support in terms of relief goods, medical assistance, and transportation to evacuation centers.
Over 2,000 families, or 10,578 people living within the six-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), have been evacuated due to the danger of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls and other volcanic hazards on 9 June 2023. It is expected that at least 4,600 families (16,000 individuals) will be accommodated in evacuation sites if 7-km radius has been considered at risk, which is highly likely.
On June 10 2023, according to the Bulletin #1 of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council,-(NDRRMC), 2,638 families or 9,314 individuals were evacuated in 21 evacuation centres. The Council recommends that the population living in the 6 km radius, or Permanent Danger Zone, would be evacuated.
Based on the identified priority and vulnerable municipalities from Philippines Statistics Office (PSA), there are 190,060 families (838,933 individuals) in 8 municipalities (Tobaco, Ligao, Guinobatan, Camalig, Daraga, Legazpi, Sto. Domingo and Malilipot) of Albay province that may possibly be affected.
Based on the disaster reports from Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and of the local chapter, there are 115 identified evacuation areas in the provinces and there are 8 municipalities under the 6 km PDZ are at risk of PDCs, lava flows, rockfall, and other volcanic hazards. The population for each of the affected municipalities are Camalig (72,042 individuals), Daraga (133,893 individuals) ,Guinobatan (85,786 individuals) , Legazpi (209,533 individuals), Ligao (118,096 individuals), Malilipot (40,857 individuals), Santo Domingo (37,765 individuals), Bacacay (72,485 individuals), and City of Tabaco (140,961 individuals).