Over 38,000 individuals affected by Mayon unrest — NDRRMC

More than 38,000 individuals have been affected by the continued unrest of Mayon Volcano, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Monday.

According to the latest NDRRMC situational report, the volcano has affected a total of 10,146 families or 38,961 people in 26 barangays, less than the 38,979 individuals previously affected.

Of the affected individuals, 5,466 families or 18,892 people are at evacuation centers while 353 families or 1,235 people are staying with their families.

A total of 628 individuals in Region V have been injured.

Meanwhile, P71.5 million worth of assistance has been provided so far.

At present, Mayon Volcano remains at Alert Level 3. The NDRRMC said this means that hazardous eruption is possible within weeks or even days.

On Sunday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said it recorded three volcanic earthquakes, 274 rockfall events, and 11 pyroclastic density current events at the volcano. 

On Monday, PHIVOLCS said Mayon Volcano continued to show intensified and magmatic unrest in the past 24 hours, with 265 rockfall events and very slow lava flow. 

PHIVOLCS again reminded the public that entry into the six-kilometer radius permanent danger zone and flying aircraft close to Mayon Volcano are prohibited.

The agency said Mayon Volcano may cause hazards such as rockfalls, landslides, or avalanches; ballistic fragments, lava flows and lava fountaining; pyroclastic density currents; moderate-sized explosions; and lahars during heavy and prolonged rainfall. — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA Integrated News