ACT Alert

Philippines 1/06

Volcano in Philippines reaches dangerous phase

Geneva, 15 August 2006

For more than two weeks, Mayon Volcano has continued to emit lava. The lava emission has already gone beyond the boundary of the 6-kilometer radius of the permanent danger zone. In its August 14, press release, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology-Bicol (PHIVOLCS) said that Mayon’s seismic activity is now entering its most dangerous phase after weeks of ejecting lava and ash. The burst of pyroclastic flow marked the first time Mayon shot out fast-moving hot gas and rock fragments. Pyroclastic flows, locally known as “oson,” are hazardous and often fatal. They travel with high velocity and could destroy everything on their path. Blistering gas and volcanic debris could travel at speeds of at least 60 kilometers per hour.

Since August 14, PHIVOLCS has sustained alert level 4, signifying “intense unrest” with a “hazardous eruption within days.” The 6-kilometer radius permanent danger zone has also been extended to an 8-kilometer radius.

Based on the August 14 update released by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, 9,378 families composed of 44,509 individuals from 31 barangays of the affected five municipalities and three cities have evacuated in 28 evacuation centers all over Albay Province. Forest fires around the volcano because of lava flows have started. Farmers’ crops have also been destroyed, including corn and vegetables. Coconut trees were also burned.

Mayon Volcano is the country’s most active volcano. Its last eruption was in February 2000, which affected at least 68,426 individuals.

In response, the relief and rehabilitation committee in Albay Province composed of members of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), the ACT member in the Philippines, has convened to conduct a damage and needs assessment. A request for food and non-food items such as medicines, clothing, cooking utensils, mats and blankets has been sent out to local partners and member churches.

While the major eruption has not yet occurred, destruction to crops has already been recorded and has caused the evacuation of families. NCCP is preparing a proposal for an ACT appeal for relief and rehabilitation activities and will continue to monitor the volcano’s activity.