Local authorities in the proximity of Mayon Volcano have taken precautionary measures in anticipation of potential evacuations due to the current state of unrest in the volcano, as revealed by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Wednesday.
During a televised public briefing, Diego Mariano, an information officer from the OCD, stated that they stand prepared to initiate evacuations promptly should the situation worsen.
“Anytime na just in case na lumalala ang sitwasyon ay ready tayong mag-evacuate. Pati ‘yung assistance na puwedeng ibigay sa ating mga kababayan na maaapektuhan is naka-ready rin naman,” the official said.
On Monday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the alert level for Mayon Volcano from Level 1 to Level 2.
PHIVOLCS mentioned that the volcano in Albay province may experience either a subdued eruption characterized by rockfalls and minor lava flows, reminiscent of the event in 2014, or it might be gearing up for a more significant eruption featuring sporadic explosions and substantial lava flows, as observed in 2018.
Aside from Mayon Volcano, recent volcanic activities have also been documented at Taal and Kanlaon volcanoes, both of which are currently classified under Alert Level 1, indicating a state of mild unrest.
Although no significant geological movements have been detected thus far in any of the three active volcanoes, Mariano emphasized the continuous state of readiness and vigilance maintained by the OCD.
