Mayon Volcano Update

Mayon Volcano located in Albay Province is currently showing signs of volcanic activity that authorities say could lead to a major eruption. All they could say is the imminence of eruption.

In case of an eruption, five towns and three cities will most likely be affected – the towns of Camalig, Guinobatan, Daraga, Malilipot and Sto. Domingo, and the cities of Legazpi, Ligao and Tabaco. As of December 14, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology (PHIVOLCS) raised the Alert Level 3 as the volcano showed mild eruption.

Mandatory preemptive evacuation has been undertaken for residents within the 6-8 kilometer danger zone. Should Alert Level 4 be issued, about 60,000 households are expected to be evacuated to safer places.

According to the National Disaster Coordinating Council, a total of 6,559 families were evacuated to 17 evacuation centers as of December 17. About 3,000 more are due for mandatory evacuation if not done already as of this writing.

Reports say that the Provincial Government of Albay can sustain the needs of evacuees for three weeks. In the event of a massive evacuation the following needs have been identified – food, personal hygiene kit, masks, medicines, bedding, potable water and dispensers.

Since the 2001 Mayon Volcano eruption, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines has put in place a regional network in Albay Province. Andurog Mayon is the regional ecumenical network which oversees the Council’s relief and rehabilitation work in the Bicol region.

On this happy season, we bid you pray for the evacuees around Mayon Volcano and all those who serve them. We pray that as he calmed the sea so may the Lord calm this yet another stormy episode in the life of the people in this country.

Rev. Rex RB Reyes, Jr.

General Secretary

December 21, 2009