Lava flow from Mayon extends 2.8 kms

MANILA, Philippines — Lava flow has reached 2.8 kilometers from the summit crater as Mayon Volcano’s high level of unrest continued in the past 24 hours, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Phivolcs said the very slow effusion of lava continued on the Mi-isi (south) and Bonga (southeastern) gullies of the volcano.

Five dome-collapse pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) that lasted for two to five minutes were observed aside from 232 rockfall events, a volcanic earthquake and repetitive pulse tremor.

Continuous moderate degassing produced steam-laden plumes rising 200 meters from the summit crater.

Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 1,170 tons per day.

More than a month since increased seismic activity was observed, Mayon remains under Alert Level 3.

Phivolcs stressed the need to evacuate residents within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone due to the danger of PDCs, lava flow, rockfalls and other volcanic hazards.

As Mayon continues to be restive, the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) gave assurance that there are enough food and other relief items for more than 5,000 families in 25 evacuation centers across the province.

Eugene Escobar, APSEMO assistant head, said supplies that can last for three months are on standby.

6,182 hectares of agricultural land at risk

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said 6,182 hectares of agricultural land are at risk from Mayon’s explosive eruption.

In a bulletin issued yesterday, the DA said 1,378 hectares of rice fields, 1,125 hectares of cornfields, 626 hectares of vegetable farms and 3,053 hectares of fruit farms may be affected in nine towns and cities in Albay.

The DA said there are also 52,626 animal heads in the affected areas.

Agricultural damage due to Mayon’s unrest has not been recorded, but ashfalls were monitored in Guinobatan and Ligao City.

Last month, the DA activated its command center to monitor the situation.

It has identified 26 animal evacuation centers outside the six-kilometer-radius extended danger zone.

“To date, there are 20 animal pooling sites with 1,120 animals (cattle, carabao, goat, sheep) evacuated from 467 farmers. Evacuation of animals is ongoing,” the DA said.

Government aid

The DA said it provided P1.25 million worth of drugs, biologics and feeds for the evacuated animals.

It is conducting regular livestock health monitoring and disease surveillance of animals in the centers.

The DA distributed P1.17 million worth of agricultural inputs to evacuees for the establishment of communal gardens at evacuation sites in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment.

Kadiwa centers near evacuation centers were opened in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Trade and Industry, farmers’ associations, micro, small and medium enterprises as well as local government units. –  Cet Dematera, Bella Cariaso, Danessa Rivera