Bamboo, anahaw huts to serve as temporary housing for evacuees amid Mayon unrest

Some residents of Sto. Domingo, Albay are preparing huts made of bamboo and anahaw to serve as temporary housing in case Mayon Volcano is placed under Alert Level 4.

At 1:39 a.m. on Tuesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) observed a short-lived lava fountain at the crater of the volcano.

According to Ian Cruz’s Tuesday report on “24 Oras,” 10,000 residents in the town of Sto. Domingo would need to evacuate if Mayon Volcano is placed under Alert Level 4, a scenario that poses a challenge to the local government due to a lack of available vehicles to transport them to safety.

However, Sto Domingo administrator Arnel Teodoro said some residents will use their vehicles while other government agencies will help with the evacuation.

Six schools will serve as evacuation centers, but residents that include Arlene Balunso are building a “ranso,” or a hut made of bamboo and anahaw.

Mart Ian Siapno of the Sto Domingo Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said utilities such as electricity and water will be provided to the evacuees.

Alert Level 3 remains in place is still in effect over Mayon.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has extended the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for flights near Mayon Vocano due to its volcanic activities. The NOTAM will be in effect from 10:06 a.m. on January 13 until 8:03 a.m. on January 14.  

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Bicol Region said tourism destinations outside the 6-kilometer danger zone remain open to visitors.

The agency urged tourists to book at DOT-accredited accommodations to ensure a comfortable and safe stay. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News