The Mayon Volcano in the Philippines has erupted with a gentle lava flow down its slopes, putting thousands of people on alert. The volcano, located in the province of Albay, is one of the most active in the country, with 51 recorded eruptions since 1616.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the alert level to 2 on March 7, 2021, indicating that the volcano is exhibiting signs of unrest and could potentially erupt in the coming days or weeks. The agency also advised people to stay away from the 6-kilometer radius danger zone around the volcano.
The lava flow, which started on March 7, was described as a “quiet lava effusion” by PHIVOLCS. This means that the lava is flowing slowly and steadily down the volcano’s slopes, without explosive eruptions or ash emissions. However, the agency warned that the lava flow could increase in volume and speed, and could trigger pyroclastic flows or lahars (mudflows) if it reaches the upper slopes of the volcano.
As of March 9, more than 3,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in the towns of Guinobatan and Camalig, which are within the danger zone. The local government has set up evacuation centers and provided food and other assistance to the affected residents.
The eruption of Mayon Volcano has also affected agriculture and tourism in the region. The ashfall and sulfur dioxide emissions from the volcano have damaged crops and livestock, while the closure of tourist sites near the volcano has hurt local businesses that rely on tourism.
Mayon Volcano is known for its perfect cone shape and scenic beauty, which attracts thousands of tourists every year. However, it is also a deadly volcano that has claimed hundreds of lives in past eruptions. The most recent major eruption was in 2018, which forced the evacuation of more than 80,000 people and caused widespread damage to infrastructure and agriculture.
The Philippine government has been closely monitoring the situation in Mayon Volcano and has deployed resources to assist the affected communities. The Department of Social Welfare and Development has provided financial assistance to the evacuees, while the Department of Agriculture has assessed the damage to crops and livestock.
In conclusion, the eruption of Mayon Volcano in the Philippines is a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. It is important for the government and the public to be prepared and informed about the risks and hazards of living near active volcanoes. While the current eruption of Mayon Volcano is relatively mild, it could escalate into a more dangerous situation if the lava flow increases or triggers other hazards. The safety and well-being of the affected communities should be the top priority in managing this natural disaster.
