BICOL ON RED ALERT AS MAYON VOLCANO ACTIVITY INTENSIFIES

The Bicol Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC-EOC) has been placed on red alert amid rising activity at Mayon Volcano, prompting full activation of all disaster response clusters. Evacuations are underway for residents within the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), with local governments coordinating with police, army, and disaster agencies to ensure safety. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed 163 ready-to-eat food (RTEF) boxes in Camalig and is preparing family food packs, while modular tents and mobile facilities are being set up for evacuees in Tabaco City. Schools inside the PDZ have suspended classes, shifting to alternative learning modalities, and all human activity within the zone, including mountain climbing and harvesting, has been banned by Governor Noel Rosal. Response agencies, including health, shelter, logistics, debris clearing, and communication clusters, are on standby and closely monitored, ensuring readiness in case of eruption-related impacts.