DILG orders Albay LGUs to evacuate residents, impose no entry policy in high-risk areas amid Mayon unrest
By Chito Chavez
Phivolcs raised Mayon Volcano to Alert Level 3 as dome collapse triggers pyroclastic flows; residents urged to evacuate 6-km danger zone. (Phivolcs)
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on local government units (LGUs) in Albay to conduct immediate evacuation of residents in high risk areas and prohibit their entry within the permanent danger zone (PDZ) as alert status level 3 was raised over Mayon Volcano.
With the volcano showing signs of eruption, the DILG directed the LGUs to enforce pre-emptive evacuation within the six-kilometer PDZ to safeguard human and animal lives against the risk of lava flow surges, rockfalls and other volcanic activities.
“Areas within this zone must be declared as off-limits. Those residing within a seven to eight kilometer radius should be prepped for possible evacuation in the event of progressive volcanic activity,’’ the DILG said.
In an advisory, the DILG asked the concerned LGUs to heighten vigilance and sustain close monitoring of Mayon’s activities through their respective local Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) councils.
The DILG also reminded the LGUs to remain alert for pyroclastic density currents, lahar and sediment-laden streamflows along channels draining the edifice.
Likewise, the DILG asked the LGUs to make the necessary safety preparations as the heavy rainfall could trigger channel-confined lahar and sediment-laden streamflows in channels where pyroclastic density current (PDCs) deposits are hazardous volcanic phenomena that can travel significant distances.
Based on the latest Mayon Volcano bulletin, the DILG said that the volcano had exhibited signs of unrest since Jan. 1, including the continuous collapse of its summit lava dome.
To ensure efficient coordination and response, the DILG instructed the LGUs to activate their Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs) on a 24/7 basis and strengthen collaboration with the provincial government and regional DRRMC.
Further, the DILG advised the LGUs to establish and strictly implement the critical preparedness actions based on Operation L!STO Protocols for Volcanic Eruption-Mayon Volcano and their respective contingency plans to guide necessary response measures.