270 Irosin families evacuated after Bulusan volcano mudflow

(Updated 10:05 a.m.) A total of 270 families or 1,596 people were evacuated midnight Wednesday after mud and volcanic debris loosened by heavy rains flowed down villages near Bulusan Volcano. Radio dzRH reported that the mudflows affected the villages of Monbon, Cogon and Mapaso in Irosin town, even as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) tried to clear the mess. "Pangalawang paglikas na ito. Noong isang araw likas sila pero pabalik-balik (It's the second time this week that they were evacuated. We evacuated them a day ago but they returned to their homes)," said Irosin Mayor Lilia Gonzales. She said the local government had converted local day-care centers into temporary shelters for the affected families. Evacuees have also taken refuge inside local churches, schools and municipal halls. Radio dzBB also said the affected residents were now in need of potable water, food and supplies even now that authorities face the task of making the villages inhabitable again. The report said water pipes were damaged by rocks that fell from the mountain. Gonzales appealed to the public to donate blankets, mats, medicine and other supplies to help the residents. As of Thursday morning, she said the mudflow rendered impassable roads at Cogon. Lahar and debris on Bulusan volcano flowed down to nearby villages earlier this week after heavy rains for the past several days loosened them. Meanwhile, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said it continues to keep watch over other volcanoes for similar mud and lahar flows. It said Alert Level 1 remains over Mayon Volcano, and asked residents not to venture near the seven-kilometer extended danger zone. Phivolcs warned of possible mudflows and lahar flows from Mayon if heavy rains loosen the debris deposited at the volcano's peak. Also, Phivolcs said it is monitoring the situation in Taal Volcano in Batangas. It said Alert Level 1 remains in effect at Taal. - GMANews.TV