Phivolcs marks 200th anniversary of deadly Mayon eruption with disaster preparedness planning

State volcanologists and local officials in Bicol this week marked the 200th anniversary of Mayon Volcano's most destructive eruption to date, by planning ways to minimize casualties should this happen again.

 

Representtatives of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology met in Albay with scientists and local officials in Legazpi City in Albay to discuss lessons from the 1814 eruption, GMA Bicol reported.

 

With Mayon recently showing signs of activity - with residents believing the drying of wells at the volcano's foot indicating Mayon's restiveness, Phivolcs said there is always a possibility of an eruption.

 

The GMA Bicol report said the meeting between the Phivolcs and local government officials aimed to map out strategies to inform residents on what to do if an eruption occurs.

 

Phivolcs' website noted Mayon, famous for its perfect cone, has had 48 eruptions, with the last on July 14, 2006.

 

It said the volcano's present alert level is at "1," where the public is advised not to venture into the 6-km permanent danger zone.

 

Mayon's most destructive eruption occured oN Feb. 1, 1814, when it affected Camalig, Cagsaua, Budiao, Guinobatan and half of Albay, Phivolcs said.

 

There were 1,200 casualties in what Phivolcs called the "most destructive eruption" of Mayon, involving plinian, pyroclastic flows, volcanic lightning and lahar. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News