Possible eruption of Mt. Mayon in Albay, Philippines, residents ready to evacuate

ALBAY - A news report of ABS-CBN last Monday, August 18, 2014, indicated that the residents of Albay are preparing for a possible volcanic eruption of Mt. Mayon which is now on alert level 2.

Residents near the volcano are preparing in case they need to evacuate. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the alert level to 2 last Friday, August 15, 2014.

On August 16, 2014, the authorities started to conduct aerial surveys to check the lava dome. They also re-started ground deformation survey.

On August 18, 2014, the disaster officials of Albay gathered to make a plan if Mayon Volcano explodes and to know when to raise the alert level.

A total of 63 towns around the volcano and over 133,000 individuals that need to be evacuated in case volcanic eruption occurs.

Schools are prepared that will serve as evacuation centers. According to Albay Governor Joey Salceda, they need 50 army trucks to evacuate all the affected individuals.

Though there are no signs of big explosion yet, tourists are not allowed to get near the volcano.

PHIVOLCS said that minimal explosions or ash puffs are expected to Mt. Mayon's current status.