Legazpi LGU orders evacuation of farm animals amid Mayon unrest

The local government of Legazpi City has ordered the evacuation of farm animals from the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) due to the restive Mayon Volcano.  

According to a "24 Oras" report by Oscar Oida on Friday, the local government noticed that some residents kept going back to the PDZ to feed their animals, even though it was dangerous because of volcanic activity.

To ensure the people and their animals are safe, the Legazpi LGU has set up a temporary evacuation area outside the PDZ.

The local government will provide food, vitamins, and vaccines needed by at least 70 cows and carabaos during their stay.

“Malayo kami nang nag-aalaga ng mga hayop. Umaga at hapon tumataas kami dyan. Ngayon, hindi na [kasi] binaba namin ang mga hayop namin. Mas magandang may tumutulong sa amin,” said resident Alvin Llobit.

(We animal caretakers are staying too far. We go up in the mornings and afternoons. Now, we don’t anymore [because] we brought our animals down. It’s better now that someone is helping us.)

Similar efforts are being conducted in some towns in Albay. 

“Kailangan maibaba talaga, kasi yung asupre na makakain po ay toxic yan, lalo na po yung pag nalanghap,” Legazpi City veterinarian Emmanuel Estipona said.

(We really need to bring them [animals] down because sulfur is toxic, especially if they inhale it.)

Mayon Volcano remains at Alert Level 3 and continues to have heightened volcanic activity, such as lava domes, lava flows, volcanic quakes, and pyroclastic density currents (PDC). —Jiselle Anne Casucian/VBL, GMA Integrated News