Mayon eruption affects 785 schools

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 785 public and private schools in Albay were affected by the moderately explosive eruption that occurred at Mayon Volcano shortly before noon on Friday.

The eruption produced a grayish ash plume that rose 3,000 meters above the crater, prompting state volcanologists to raise Mayon’s alert status from Level 2 to 3.

The Department of Education (DepEd) said there are 48 schools located within the six to eight-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone of the volcano.

“Of these schools, two are within the six-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone. These are the Calbayog and Magapo elementary schools.” DepEd said.

The provincial government suspended afternoon classes at all levels in public and private schools following the volcanic eruption, which occurred at 11:53 a.m.

The volcanic activity displaced 311,259 students, teachers and school workers in Albay.

Education officials said an alternative mode of learning would be implemented until Mayon’s activity subsides.

DepEd said affected school division offices such as in Legazpi City and Ligao have initiated response measures.

“School division offices have been monitoring the situation and assessing possible evacuation measures,” DepEd added.

The eruption was expected to cause ashfall in areas surrounding Mayon.