17,216 people evacuated due to Mayon Volcano unrest —NDRRMC

Around 17,000 individuals in the Bicol Region have been evacuated so far amid the intensified unrest of Mayon Volcano, data by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) showed Thursday.

Based on its latest situational report, NDRRMC said a total of 17,216 people, or 4,813 families, have been staying in 25 evacuation centers, while 725 people, or 200 families, were seeking shelters outside of evacuation centers.

Mayon Volcano, which is currently under Alert Level 3, has affected 37,682 individuals or 9,167 families in 26 barangays in Albay province.

Eighteen schools located in the municipalities of Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, and Malilipot have also suspended classes as of June 12, according to the Department of Education.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday that at least 35 individuals in Albay evacuated due to Mayon Volcano’s unrest have reported experiencing respiratory problems such as cough, colds, and sore throat.

DOH, however, clarified that these cases are “not verified as adverse effects” of the sulfur dioxide and ashfall emitted by the active volcano.

As of Thursday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded two volcanic earthquakes, 306 rockfall events, and three pyroclastic density current events in Mayon Volcano. —VAL, GMA Integrated News