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VIVA – At least 14,000 people have been evacuated from around the erupting volcano that is spewing lava and dangerous gases in the central Philippines. Authorities predicted on Tuesday that they would have to remain displaced for several months to come.
Lava was seen slowly flowing from the 2,462-meter-high crater of Mayon Volcano, which has been on high alert since seismic tremors and rockfalls occurred last week.
"Based on our previous experience, this volcanic activity can last for several months," said Teresito Bacolcol, the head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, as reported by DZMM radio.
Ilustrasi - Alat seismograf mencatat aktivitas Gunung Semeru di Jawa Timur.
- ANTARA/HO-PVMBG
Bacolcol added that residents living within a six-kilometer radius of the volcano had to evacuate. The local disaster agency stated that around 14,000 people have been evacuated and are taking shelter in schools and evacuation centers.
A community leader in Albay Province, Larry Llenaresas, told DZMM radio that the evacuees needed food and drinking water supplies.
Authorities also warned residents living farther from the volcano to be prepared for possible evacuation.
Police set up checkpoints to prevent residents from returning to their homes. "We will ensure that the evacuees cannot go back to their homes until they are allowed to return," Westrimundo Obinque, the regional police chief informed.
A provincial tourism official, Dorothy Colle, mentioned that despite travel restrictions being imposed, many people still visited observation points to witness the bright lava flows, particularly at night.
Mayon Volcano is one of the most active among the 24 volcanoes in the Philippines and has erupted over 50 times in the past four centuries.
Its most devastating eruption occurred in February 1841 when a lava flow buried a town and claimed the lives of 1,200 people.
The Philippines is situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for frequent volcanic activity and earthquake.
