MANILA, Philippines – Due to the possible violent eruption of Mount Mayon, Albay province has been declared under state of calamity.

 

Government’s Main Disaster-Response Agency Spokeswoman, Romina Marasigan said that, “We have witnessed lava fountaining yesterday, that’s why we have additional families who evacuated due to the threat.”

 

On Tuesday, January 16, glowing red lava cascaded from its crater for an estimated two kilometers down the slope. According to the chief of Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Renato Solidum, several small pyroclastic flows cascading down the volcano were generated by fragments on the lava stream and not by an explosion from the crater with superheated lava, molten rocks and steam.

 

According to resident volcanologist Ed Laguerta, “If there are significant amounts of gaseous material inside, then we could be in for a violent gas-driven explosion and discharge of ash and smoke and pyroclastic material.” The PHIVOLCS officers said that if the technology so far does not allow accurate forecast of when the imminent eruption is going to be, it is approaching.

 

At least 30,000 residents have been displaced due to the intense volcanic activity of Mount Mayon as of January 16. Many took shelter in schools while others are in the homes of relatives. Albay Provincial Government has expanded its class suspension order and officials warned people not to venture into a danger zone about 3.7 to 4.3 miles around Mayon.

 

In an interview, Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara said that the kind of eruption will take about weeks so they have to sustain the operations in the evacuation centers and that they have to use the calamity funds.