Manila – The Philippine Institute of Volcanolgy and Seismology or PHIVOLCs warns that eruption may take place at any time at Mt. Mayon Volcano on Luzon Island’s Bicol Peninsula.

Reports say that, ” Mayon Volcano (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) continued to show an intense level of activity during the past 24-hour observation period. Seismic activity remained elevated in number and size as the seismic network detected a total of 1,266 volcanic earthquakes. Many of these volcanic earthquakes were recorded at maximum deflection and have continuously occurred since 12:21 PM, 20 December 2009. Harmonic tremors were still continuously being recorded.”

The Philippine Institute of Volcanolgy and Seismology is warning that residents living outside the 8km danger zone need to be prepared to evacuate if eruptions and emissions intensify around Mayon Volcano.

The fear is a large blast could occur at any time threatening communities to the south and north of the volcano’s summit. “Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous explosive eruptions intensify.” while remidning authorities to enforce a strict policy of no people in the 8km danger zone near to the base of Mayon.
“PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity.” Warning that a major eruption could take place at any time. Meanwhile at least two mild earthquakes occurred along the same fault line system that is linked to Mayon volcano the quake in less than thirty minutes apart hit in the Philippines region

Mayon Volcano Area: more than 4,000 mini quakes recorded
4000 mild volcanic quakes have been recorded since the volcano became active two weeks ago. Most localized near the volcano itself. Over 2000 quakes shook the volcano Sunday going Monday – while some 1200 quakes hit in the 24 hour period Monday to Tuesday.

The Volcanolgy institute update on Maon goes on to read that Mayon Volcano, “Continued to show an intense level of activity during the past 24-hour observation period. Seismic activity remained elevated in number and size as the seismic network detected a total of 1,266 volcanic earthquakes.” While adding that the observations were of, “Many of volcanic earthquakes recorded at maximum deflection and have continuously occurred since 12:21 PM, 20 December 2009.” PHIVOLCs also reported that. “Harmonic tremors were still continuously being recorded.”

SNAKES ON THE PLAINS:
Meanwhile, the risk of snake bite has increased as poisonous Philippine Cobra snakes and other wildlife have been sighted leaving habitats in the area another risk that authoities are warning residents not to enter the danger zone.

Also seen as a indication of the effect the underground quakes and minor ash emissions have had in the area. “DOH-CO augmented drugs, anti-venom, facemasks and medicines to affected areas and replenished pre-positioned medicines; provisions” according to an advisory of the Philippine Dept of Health.

Meetings /Aerial Survey Conducted

Joint RDCC/PDCC Meeting conducted on December 21, 2009, with SND and Chairman, NDCC Norberto B. Gonzales, OCD Administrator and NDCC Executive Officer, Glenn J. Rabonza, AFP Chief of Staff, Victor S. Ibrado, RDCC Chairman PCSupt Ruben E. Padua, Albay PDCC Chairman, Gov. Joey S. Salceda, OCD RD Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, PHIVOLCS Dir. Renato U. Solidum, AFP Members (Officers/EPs), RDCC Member Agencies and National/Local Media, discussed the on-going efforts of PDCC/RDCC in connection with Mayon Volcano eruption. Medical mission, psychological services and displaced classes were among the areas for intervention. Dir. Solidum provided updates on the status of Mayon Volcano.

1 Million Pesos for Christmas gifts for Children

The SND and Chairman, NDCC turned over PhP 1 Million to PDCC Chairman for the purchase of Christmas gifts for the children at the evacuation centers

NDCC re-affirmed the RDCC/PDCC that the national government supports all efforts being done by the province to ensure that the “Zero Casualty” is achieved.

DOH declared CHD V Operation Center under Code Blue Alert Level; conducted rapid assessment in all evacuation centers; and set-up communication in three (3) districts utilizing the newly-organized Joint Communication Task Force for Health Emergencies under the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital(BRTTH)

DSWD-CO sub-allotted Php 500,000.00 as additional standby funds for the requirements of evacuees during the pre-emptive evacuation.

Thus, as of now, FO-V has a total of Php 800,000.00 standby funds aside from the available stockpile of relief commodities composed of food (Php 268,750.00) and non-food

items (Php 1,173,330.48) ready for augmentation/assistance for the affected LGUs (Local Gov’t Units)

Health/WASH/Psychosocial Cluster

DOH-CO augmented drugs, anti-venom, facemasks and medicines to affected areas and replenished pre-positioned medicines; provision of Health Advisories and Risk Communication through print media; put surveillance system in place in all evacuation centers with no report of epidemic/outbreaks; and have started conduct of psychosocial debriefing for affected and responders

UNICEF donated 20 trailers of water jugs for Mt. Mayon evacuees in Legazpi City

The total health expenditures so far amounted to Php 6,359,906.00 broken down as follows:

DOH-CO (assorted drugs & medicines, emergency health kits and jerry cans) Php 3,069,626.00; RITM (snake anti-venom vials) Php 20,400.00; WHO (12 inter-agency emergency health kits) Php 269,880.00; and PCSO (drugs, medical supplies, etc.) Php 3,000,000.00

Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to deliver water at PHIVOLCS Office Legazpi City

Source: http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=265&Itemid=1

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