Mayon ashfall affects 132 schools

MANILA, Philippines — Volcanic ash has blanketed up to 132 schools in Albay following the recent eruption of Mayon Volcano, which displaced 52,590 families who are now staying in evacuation centers.

As of yesterday morning, lava flow collapse-fed pyroclastic density current was detected along the Mi-isi Gully on the southwestern slope of the volcano.

Alert Level 3 remains hoisted over Mayon.

The Department of Education (DepEd) disaster risk reduction and management service reported that at least P3.695 million in funds have been released for the cleanup and clearing operations of affected schools.

DepEd said at least 850 all-weather kits and N95 masks were being readied for distribution to affected schools.

Essential supplies consisting of learning, teaching and hygiene kits and other resources worth P20,000 each have been made available for affected schools.

Division offices and school administrators have been directed to coordinate closely with the local disaster risk reduction and management office to strengthen emergency preparedness.

School disaster risk reduction and management teams have been advised to implement contingency plans and secure learning materials, records and equipment as well as preposition emergency supplies and essential resources.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said Mayon’s increased activity has displaced up to 52,590 families from 124 barangays.

Citing latest reports from OCD-Bicol, OCD deputy spokesman Diego Mariano said that of the 52,590 affected families, 1,444 are staying in evacuation centers.

The OCD said evacuation is being strictly enforced in areas located within Mayon’s permanent danger zone.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the volcano’s increased restiveness might continue for several weeks.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified security around Mayon to prevent people from entering the permanent danger zone, which is being considered to be expanded to a seven-kilometer radius from the current six km.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the local police to deploy more officers in areas surrounding Mayon and coordinate with barangay officials to ensure that security around the danger zone will not be breached.

“Our officers are conducting joint foot patrols with barangay tanods to ensure that every alley and back-trail leading to the danger zone is monitored,” Nartatez said in a statement.

Phivolcs had warned that Mayon’s activity could escalate, prompting authorities to consider expanding the danger zone to cover more villages.

Nartatez said getting information from barangay officials, who are more familiar with the communities, could help policemen prevent evacuees from returning to their villages as well as entering restricted areas. — Josiah Antonio, Pia Lee-Brago, Emmanuel Tupas