19-6-2023 (MANILA) The recent eruption of the Mayon Volcano, the most active volcano in the Philippines, has taken a toll on the health of displaced individuals. According to a report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, at least 628 people have fallen ill after seeking refuge in shelters.
Among the evacuees, ranging in age from 2 to 64, at least 10 different illnesses have been recorded. These include coughs, colds, fever, gastroenteritis, acute respiratory infection, and skin diseases. The eruption, which began on June 8, has affected nearly 39,000 people in total.
Local authorities have implemented evacuation measures for over 20,000 villagers residing in the danger zone surrounding the picturesque Mayon Volcano in Albay province, located approximately 500 km southeast of the capital city, Manila. To accommodate the displaced individuals, the province has established 28 evacuation centers, often utilizing school classrooms for this purpose.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has been closely monitoring the volcano’s activity. On Monday, they reported pyroclastic flows resulting from the collapse of the volcano’s lava domes. These flows lasted for approximately three minutes, accompanied by steam-laden plumes reaching heights of 600 meters. The institute has maintained the alert level for Mayon Volcano at 3 on a scale of 5.
The province of Albay has declared a state of calamity due to the eruption, recognizing the urgent need for resources and support to address the situation. The eruption of Mayon Volcano in 2018 necessitated the evacuation of more than 23,000 individuals from nine cities and municipalities.
