DOH Allocates P6-M for Medicines for Mayon Evacuees

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 22- The Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed the allocation of P6 million for medicines and portable toilets for distribution in all evacuation centers in Albay province.

The DOH prompted to provide additional assistance to the province after Albay governor Joey Salceda issued a strict policy to ensure clean sanitary facilities at the evacuation centers.

As of 12:00 noon Tuesday, the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) recorded at total of 45,366 persons evacuated or 9,441 families.

The provincial government of Albay has emphasized that health, medical and sanitation facilities and services have been established in all evacuation centers.

"The department is now working on the provision of portable toilets and also implement proper waste management," DOH Bicol director Nestor Santiago said.

He also said that to prevent spread of diseases, DOH in close coordination with the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) of Albay, will be implementing measures to decongest evacuation centers. "Distribution of tents is now in effect and additional class rooms have been identified to serve as evacuation centers."

In other development, Mayon Volcano continued to show an intense level of activity during the past 24-hour observation period. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate remained very high and was measured at an average of 6,529 tons per day (t/d) yesterday.

Seismic activity remained elevated in number and size as the seismic network detected a total of 1,266 volcanic earthquakes.

Many of these volcanic earthquakes were recorded at maximum deflection and have continuously occurred since 12:21 p.m. on December 20. Harmonic tremors were still continuously being recorded.

Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said visual observation was hampered by thick clouds covering the upper and middle slopes of the volcano since yesterday.

However, an intensified crater glow was observed during a short cloud break last night. Audible booming and rumbling sounds were still intermittently heard for the past 24 hours.

Red hot lava also continuously flowed down along the Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies. The lava front has reached about five kilometers downslope from the summit along the Bonga-Buyuan gully.

Alert Level 4 is hoisted over Mayon Volcano, meaning a hazardous eruption is possible within days.

Phivolcs reiterated that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of eight-km on the southern sector of the volcano and seven-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity. (PNA)