Phivolcs lowers Mayon alert level

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Following a decline in its abnormal parameters, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) lowered Mayon Volcano’s alert level from three to two yesterday.

Phivolcs Bicol resident volcanologist Ed Laguerta, however, warned residents against entering the six-kilometer radius permanent danger zone due to “perennial hazard of rockfall, ash puffs and sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions at the summit area.”

In its latest bulletin, Phivolcs said a general decline in the activity of Mayon Volcano has been observed since Nov. 29. It cited lesser volcanic earthquakes and gas emissions, adding that no upward trend in ground deformation was observed in the past three weeks.

There was new lava flow since Oct. 19, it added.

“Although we will be sending back evacuees to their houses inside the permanent danger zone, we will immediately re-evacuate them should Mayon’s condition worsen again. We will also expedite efforts for their permanent relocation,” Cedric Daep, chief of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office, told The STAR.

At least 2,860 families, or 11,715 persons were expected to return to their homes yesterday in view of Phivolcs latest bulletin. They are residents of Barangays Magapo, Comon, Buang and Mariroc in Tabaco City, with 1,123 families or 4,726 persons; Anoling, Cabangan, Quirangay and Sua in Camalig, with 835 famailies or 3,361 persons; Calbayog in Malilipot with 551 families or 2,090 persons; Baligang in Ligao City with 332 families or 1,456 persons; and Muladbucad Grande in Guinobatan with 19 families or 2,090 persons.                                               – With Helen Flores