Legazpi: Authorities have intensified disaster preparedness measures, including inspections of evacuation centers, deployment of response personnel, and issuance of public advisories, as Mayon Volcano continued to rumble and worry residents.
According to Philippines News Agency, Vilma Barajas, 62, of Barangay Mabinit, said residents have long been familiar with the volcano's rumbling but continue to prepare for a possible eruption. She mentioned that families have already set aside clothes, cash, and other essentials in case an evacuation is ordered, even though prolonged volcanic activity has already strained household finances.
Josie Perez, 58, noted that the current activity differs from that of previous months as the rumbling has intensified, leaving residents anxious. She pointed out that advisories issued by authorities help ease the tension. "It's a good thing that they regularly monitor the volcano because it keeps people informed, especially those of us living within the six-kilometer danger zone and the farmers in the higher areas. It helps residents stay alert and be more careful," she said.
In Guinobatan, lettuce farmer Cristina Duque expressed concern that another major volcanic event could wipe out newly established crops that survived the recent extreme heat. She explained that losing their harvest would mean returning to zero, with farmers losing not only crops but also seeds, fertilizer investments, and their primary source of income.
Amid residents' concerns, local government units have stepped up contingency planning to ensure communities are prepared if conditions worsen. Sto. Domingo Mayor Nomar Banda held an emergency meeting with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, Municipal Engineering Office, and other agencies to review evacuation protocols and inspect centers.
In Camalig, police officers remained deployed at border control points in Barangays Anoling and Quirangay, with support from Philippine Army troops, to monitor the situation and enforce restrictions within the danger zone. Meanwhile, the Department of Health in Bicol (DOH-5) urged residents to stay alert to volcanic hazards such as lahar flows during rain, ash-related respiratory issues, contaminated water, and injuries.
The DOH-5 urged the public to monitor official advisories from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, avoid river channels draining the volcano, prepare emergency 'go bags', and follow evacuation orders.
