LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — Authorities have deployed dozens of modular tents to evacuation centers in Albay province as families remain displaced by ongoing volcanic activity at Mayon Volcano, officials said.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development installed at least 25 family tents at the San Jose Evacuation Center in Malilipot and 10 additional modular units at the Buang Evacuation Center in Tabaco City, DSWD Regional Director Norman Laurio said.
“This would ensure the protection and well-being of families,” Laurio said, adding that the agency has committed its resources to maintaining the security of residents during the crisis.
DSWD teams are monitoring the deployment of mobile water stations, mobile kitchens, and emergency vehicles provided by the Red Cross. Hot meals are being distributed to displaced families in coordination with the Malilipot local government.
Mayon Volcano remains at Alert Level 3, indicating high levels of volcanic activity. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recorded two volcanic earthquakes, 209 rockfall events, and 46 pyroclastic density currents — locally known as “uson” — in recent monitoring periods.
Alert Level 3 means magma is at the crater and hazardous eruption is possible within weeks. Authorities have maintained a permanent danger zone around the volcano’s crater, with thousands of residents evacuated from high-risk communities.
The 8,077-foot Mayon, located about 210 miles southeast of Manila, is the Philippines’ most active volcano and is renowned for its near-perfect cone shape.
