Mayon Volcano is about to erupt. Are you ready?

Mayon Volcano in the province of Albay is famous for having a “perfect cone” shape. But it is also known as the country’s most active volcano.

Thirty to forty lava domes are present in the volcano, which constantly release smoke. Due to its persistent threat of eruption, tourist activities such as mountain climbing and ATV driving have been prohibited within the volcano’s 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).

Its eruption on February 1, 1814 is considered its most destructive. Around 1,200 died to lahar that buried homes in Cagsawa, Malinao and Mounts Marasaga and Catburauan. This also led to the submerging of the Cagsawa Church, now known as the Cagsawa Ruins. In recent memory, five climbers died due to a sudden spewing of ash and rocks from the volcano last May 7, 2013.

Since Sunday, January 14, 2018, thousands have been evacuated along the path of Mayon Volcano with the threat of its “hazardous eruption”. This came after Phivolcs raised Alert Level 3, warning the possibility of a hazardous eruption. The highest warning, Level 5, means an eruption is ongoing.

Here are photos and videos captured by netizens in Legazpi, Albay:

Lava flow from Mayon volcano’s summit/Bert Racamunda

11,000 persons were evacuated. As of today, 2,100 packs have been sent to centers in Camalig, and 1,500 packs to Guinobatan

SAFETY TIPS
The Office of Civil Defense released safety measures before, during and after an eruption.

BEFORE
KNOW THE SIGNS OF AN IMPENDING ERUPTION.
– Increase in the frequency of volcanic quakes accompanied by rumbling sounds (no need for periods kasi hindi naman complete sentences)
– Change in color of steam emission from white to gray
– Drying up of vegetation springs and wells around the volcano
– Development of new thermal areas or reactivation of old ones

KNOW THE COMMUNITY’S SAFETY PLANS.
– Always monitor volcano updates and watch out for advisories and warnings
– Know the location of the evacuation site and the fastest and safest way to go there
– Prepare your family’s GO BAG containing items needed for survival

DURING
STAY AWAY FROM DANGER ZONES.
– When notified, immediately evacuate to safer ground
– Assist in evacuating children, pregnant women, PWDs and older people
– Cover your mouth with wet cloth and wear protective goggles
– Keep your pet in their shelter or inside to keep them from inhaling ash
– Stay away from rivers and streams for possible lahar flow

AFTER
REMAIN ALERT AND BE CAUTIOUS.
– Leave the evacuation area only when authorities say it is safe
– Wear a mask when cleaning
– Scrape off the accumulated ash on your roof to prevent its collapse
– Shake loose ash from plants before watering