'Mayon eruption could be hazardous to danger zones'

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Local officials of Albay and volcanologists reiterated yesterday that should Mayon volcano proceed to a full-blown eruption, it will only be hazardous to those within the declared danger zones, but would spare those outside these prohibited areas.

Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal admitted, though, that it is difficult to tone down reports about Mayon whenever its condition turns abnormal because of its reputation as the most beautiful, yet the only year-round active volcano in the Philippines, if not in the world. 

“But we just want to make it clear that any eruption of Mayon volcano anytime will not endanger the lives of people for as long us they are outside the declared six- to seven kilometer radius permanent danger zone from the crater,” Rosal told The STAR, adding that residents within the danger areas were already moved to relocation sites.

Fe Buela, assistant regional director for operations in Bicol of the Department of Tourism said they are still collecting the data regarding tourist arrivals in Albay, or Bicol, after Mayon’s alert status was raised to 2 a week ago.

“We don’t have yet the data on tourist arrivals after Mayon’s alert level was raised to 2. We are still in the process of collecting them,” Buela told The STAR.

Even Albay Gov. Joey Salceda agreed that the only solution to ensure no one will be hurt anytime Mayon turns restive is to relocate all the residents that could be possibly hit by killer volcanic materials, particularly the deadly pyroclastic flow.

“Even if we have five, or more, Mayon volcano erupting, if nobody is within the danger zones, no one would unnecessary lose life,” Salceda said, quickly admitting that any big eruption this time is not good for the gradually picking up economy of Albay.

“Our immediate solution to all these worries that a full-blown Mayon eruption may bring is relocation and pre-emptive evacuation,” Salceda, who is also an economic adviser of President Arroyo, told The STAR.  

At least 10 checkpoints are now in place at strategic areas in Camalig, Daraga, Legazpi City and Sto. Domingo to prevent any attempt to enter into declared danger areas of Mayon.