12 June 2023, Mumbai: Mayon Volcano, the Philippines’ most active volcano, has recently started spewing lava down its slopes, triggering alarm among tens of thousands of people who are now preparing for a potential violent eruption. As volcanic activity increased last week, more than 12,600 individuals from mostly impoverished farming communities have already been evacuated from the 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) radius around the volcano’s crater. However, many others remain within the permanent danger zone, where they have lived for generations due to the lack of alternative options.
The eruption of lava on Sunday night has prompted concerns that the high-risk zone around Mayon Volcano may need to be expanded if the eruption intensifies. Teresito Bacolcol, the director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, has stated that people within any expanded danger zone should be prepared for immediate evacuation to emergency shelters. The situation is being closely monitored on a day-to-day basis. In the seaside district of Legazpi, located about 14 kilometers (8.5 miles) from Mayon, people hurriedly left restaurants and bars to capture photos of the picturesque conical-shaped volcano, which is a popular tourist attraction. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the local authorities in Albay province took decisive action by declaring a state of emergency on Friday. This proactive measure aims to streamline the distribution of crucial disaster relief funds, ensuring a rapid response in the event of a significant volcanic eruption.
The alert level for Mayon Volcano was raised to three on a five-step system last Thursday, indicating a high level of unrest and the possibility of a hazardous eruption within weeks or even days. As long as the lava flow remains gentle, the alert level will remain at three. However, if the eruption becomes more dangerous, the alert level may be increased to higher levels. The highest alert level, five, signifies a violent and life-threatening eruption with ash plumes and superheated pyroclastic streams posing a significant risk to communities residing in the lush foothills of Mayon. The volcano’s history dates back to 1814 when it buried entire villages and claimed over 1,000 lives. Despite the sporadic eruptions, many residents of Albay have accepted the volcano’s fury as an inherent part of their lives.
Local authorities are taking measures to mitigate the economic impact of a potential eruption. They have started evacuating farm animals, such as cows and water buffaloes, from high-risk farms to temporary grazing areas located at a safe distance. This highlights the wide range of threats posed by natural disasters in the Philippines. The country experiences approximately 20 typhoons and tropical storms each year and is situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area characterized by numerous seismic faults where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions frequently occur. The devastating eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, located north of Manila, serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of such events.