DENR suspends quarrying around Mayon Volcano
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has suspended quarrying operations around the Mayon Volcano in Albay after local residents blamed quarrying for the landslides during the height of typhoon "Rolly."
During a meeting on the effects of "Rolly" in Malacañang, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the DENR and the public works department to probe the quarrying operations in Guinobatan, Albay, one of the areas worst hit by the typhoon.
DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu said flood waters from the volcano fell on three rivers where quarrying activities are taking place. He said some of the quarrying operators left their stockpile in the middle of the rivers. The stockpile of quarrying operators, boulders, and lahar were carried by the water and reached residential areas.
"I directed the suspension of the 11 or 12 operators including suspending the quarry operations around the volcano so we can prevent similar incidents," Cimatu said.
"At the same time, we will investigate the quarrying procedures. They should not place their stockpile on the river," he added.
Duterte said he talked to residents of Guinobatan before flying to Manila to attend the meeting with officials. He said the residents were concerned about the dangers posed by boulders that are carried by the river every time there is a typhoon.
"Without really condemning the act itself of quarrying, I hope it should have the proper environmental clearance. If there is none, then I think you have to stop it in the meantime," the president said.
Cimatu said he has directed the suspension of the 12 operators and all quarrying around Mayon Volcano.
"In the meantime, I will suspend it. In fact, we have to close some of them, those who are culpable for this incident," he added.
Follow this thread for updates on tropical cyclone Rolly (international name: Goni).
Australia provides an additional P28.52 million to support Filipino communities affected by tropical cyclone Rolly in the Bicol Region.
This will help the government provide food, repair damaged homes and support emergency medical teams in the region. Australia's latest commitment will directly assist 23,345 people, including 2,990 women and girls.
"This support is even more critical following Typhoon Ulysses that caused further hardship for the people in the Bicol Region. Australia stands with the Philippines in this time of need," Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson says.
President Rodrigo Duterte may place the regions of CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Bicol under state of calamity because of the impact of typhoon "Rolly," Malacañang says.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has approved a recommendation to place the three Luzon regions under state of calamity to fast-track the recovery of the typhoon-ravaged areas.
"Most likely, but let us wait for the document that will come from the Office of the President," presidential spokesman Harry Roque said at a press briefing when asked if Duterte would adopt the recommendation of the council. — Alexis Romero
The provincial board has placed Camarines Sur under state of calamity following the onslaught of Typhoon Rolly.
In a resolution released Monday, the local government cited strong winds and torrential rains, as well as the extensive flooding and other damages brought about by the typhoon.
At 3 p.m., Tropical Storm Rolly was located 225 kilometers west of Iba, Zambales.
The cyclone bears maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gusts of up to 80 kph. It is moving north northwestward at 15 kph.
Vice President Leni Robredo posts photos of the first signs of devastation brought about by Typhoon Rolly in Camarines Sur.
Robredo says she left Manila before dawn on Monday to visit the typhoon-hit province.
The vice president will also be visiting Albay and Catanduanes.
Left Manila before dawn today. Just arrived CamSur and these were the first signs of devastation we saw. Will be going around Albay and Catanduanes, as well.
Posted by Leni Gerona Robredo on Sunday, 1 November 2020
- Latest
- Trending
