PNoy asks: What are parameters of Mayon's danger zone?

Louis Bacani(The Philippine Star)

May 7, 2013 - 3:58pm

A mushroom of volcanic ash shoots up to the sky as Mayon volcano, one of the Philippines' most active volcanoes, spewed huge rocks and ash after daybreak, viewed from Legazpi city Tuesday, May 7, 2013. At least five climbers were killed and more than a dozen others are trapped near the crater in its first eruption in three years, officials said. Rescue teams and helicopters were sent to Mayon volcano in the central Philippines to bring out the dead. AP/Alex Sallan

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III wants to know the parameters of the six-kilometer permanent danger zone of the Mayon Volcano, which spewed a towering cloud of ashes on Tuesday morning killing five people.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the permanent danger zone prohibits permanent settlement in the area but not tourist activities.

"What we understand is that the local government has restricted activity. Precisely, what the President wanted to know is kung ano 'yung parameters," said Valte.

Earlier in the day, the famed volcano produced a phreatic (steam-driven) explosion which killed five people and injured seven others.

In an update on Tuesday afternoon, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said four of the casualties were German nationals while the other one was a local tour guide.

Among those injured were five unnamed persons, an Australian national, and Kenneth Jesalva, a local tour guide.

In an earlier television interview, Jesalva said rocks "as big as a living room" came raining down, killing and injuring members of his group.

Meanwhile, the local disaster agency of Albay said in an update that there were a total of 27 climbers affected.

The agency recommended the suspension of all human activity within the permanent danger zone of the volcano including mountain climbing, farming and orchid gatherings and tourist activities beyond the lava front.

For now, Valte said the government's priority is to help those affected by the ash explosion and the repatriation of the foreigners killed.

"Tingnan po muna natin kung ano magiging resulta noong insidente. The focus now is attending to the injured and of course facilitating the repatriation of the fatalities," she said.

So far, the President has not expressed any intention to go to Albay to lead the government efforts for those affected by the ash explosion, according to Valte.

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