The people who were forced to evacuate their homes due to fear of an eruption from the Taal volcano are now faced with a new dilemma as Typhoon In-fa approaches the region. The heavy rainfall that could result from the typhoon could potentially cause flooding and landslides, adding to the challenges of those who have already been displaced. Authorities are working to relocate residents to safe zones, but with the added threat of the typhoon, the situation is becoming increasingly complex.
In addition to the safety concerns, the heavy rain could also cause damage to roads and infrastructure, hindering relief efforts. The government and aid organizations are working to provide assistance to those impacted by both the volcano and the impending typhoon.
The ongoing eruption threat from the Mayon volcano in northeastern Albay province has forced over 6,000 villagers to evacuate their homes. The rural communities within a 6-kilometer radius of the volcano’s crater are particularly vulnerable and need to be moved to safety.
Additionally, many people outside the danger zone have voluntarily left their homes with their children and are now at evacuation centers in Albay. The province has been declared a state of calamity, allowing for emergency funds to be disbursed more rapidly if a major eruption occurs.
The alert level for the volcano was raised on Thursday after signs of destabilization were observed. Superheated streams of gas, debris, and rocks cascading down the upper slopes indicate a high likelihood of a hazardous eruption within days or weeks. Authorities are taking necessary precautions to protect residents and manage the situation in the area.
Mayon volcano is a popular tourist destination known for its dramatically symmetrical cone shape. However, it is also one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. It stands at a height of 2,462 meters (8,077 feet). The last major eruption occurred in 2018, which resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of villagers in the surrounding communities. The ongoing activity at the volcano and the threat of a major eruption have once again raised appropriate concern among the local authorities and residents, who are keeping a close eye on the situation.
As Typhoon Guchol approaches the Philippines from the Pacific, authorities have warned that even though it is expected to avoid direct impact on the archipelago, it may still bring heavy rainfall to the affected areas. This news is particularly concerning for those living near the slopes of Mayon volcano, who are already dealing with the threat of an eruption and the possibility of flooding and landslides caused by the heavy rain. Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of residents in the affected regions.
Villamor Lopez, a house painter, expressed his fears of the potential impact of the approaching typhoon on his village, saying “There’s a typhoon and floodwaters may rush down Mayon and swamp this village. That’s one of our fears.” He and others in the community are anxious about the possibility of landslides and flooding caused by heavy rainfall, which could be triggered by the typhoon and worsened by the activity of the Mayon volcano. In light of these concerns, the authorities are working to mitigate the risks and ensure that residents are safe during this challenging time.
Villamor Lopez sat anxiously with his relatives, clutching their bags of clothes, rice in pouches, and bottles of water as they traveled on a pickup truck towards an emergency shelter located several kilometers away from their hometown of Daraga in Albay. They were among the thousands of residents who had to evacuate their homes due to the threat of an eruption by the Mayon volcano and the approaching Typhoon Guchol, which could exacerbate the situation by causing heavy rainfall, landslides, and flooding. Despite the challenges they face, Villamor and other evacuees are grateful for the government’s efforts to ensure their safety and are relying on the assistance and support provided by aid organizations and volunteers in the community.
While some residents have evacuated to ensure their safety, others are still deliberating whether to leave or stay in their homes. A group of residents were seen chatting by the roadside near a chapel, uncertain about the situation and the appropriate course of action to take. In their laid-back community of rural houses with narrow dirt alleys, a loudspeaker broadcast a warning about the possibility of an imminent evacuation if the situation worsens. The thick rain clouds covering the sky made it difficult to see the Mayon volcano, which remained hidden from view. The locals are keeping a close eye on the developments and preparing for any eventuality.
Dennis Bon, the village leader who was responsible for transporting Villamor Lopez and others to the emergency shelter, emphasized the urgency of the situation and expressed that he would not wait until the last minute to evacuate those who are vulnerable. With residents including children, persons with disabilities, and elderly individuals in the area, Bon acted decisively and quickly to ensure their safety. Bon acknowledged that the situation is challenging, and with a sense of responsibility and leadership, ensured that those who are most vulnerable are taken to safety.
Authorities, including Albay Governor Edcel Greco Lagman, and Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, have assured residents that they are prepared for the worst-case scenario, including mudflows and rockfalls caused by the monsoon rains. Governor Lagman emphasized the importance of preventing casualties, saying, “We will still make sure that we will have no casualties from any compounded calamities.”
Despite the growing concerns among the villagers, some people who have lived through several eruptions of the Mayon volcano over the decades are taking the latest threats in stride, displaying remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.
In Bonga village, which is located near the Mayon volcano, a few men displayed a nonchalant attitude as they took a bath in a stream of spring water that flowed down the lush foothills of the mountain. The men carefully washed two motorcycles near boulders that were as big as cars, which had rolled down the hill during previous eruptions.
Despite the ongoing threat, the men seemed to be unfazed by the situation. For some of the locals, living near the active volcano has become a way of life, and they have learned to adapt to the challenges that come with it, while remaining respectful of its unpredictable nature.
Despite the recent rumblings and heightened activity of the Mayon volcano, the men in Bonga village appeared calm and relaxed when asked if they were afraid. They simply shrugged and smiled, displaying a nonchalant attitude towards the ongoing threats. The Philippines’ location along the “Ring of Fire”, which is an area around the ocean rim where tectonic plates meet, makes it prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
The eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, which had been dormant for centuries, was one of the largest volcanic eruptions of the 20th century and caused significant loss of life and destruction in the surrounding areas. Despite these dangers, many Filipinos have learned to adapt to the challenges posed by living in such an environment while remaining respectful of the power of nature.