Church organizations have called for assistance and prayers for residents affected by the phreatic eruption of Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon over the weekend.
In an interview with Church-run Radio Veritas, Caritas Sorsogon Director George Fajardo disclosed that at least 45 families or 150 individuals were already evacuated from the municipality of Juban in Sorsogon because of the volcano’s recent activity.
They are currently staying in the evacuation center of the local government unit in Juban.
He said the Diocese of Sorsogon had already asked for help for the affected individuals.
“As per MDRRMO [Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office] Juban, beddings, masks, food pack, bottled water are the immediate needs in the evacuation center plus respiratory meds/interventions,” Fajardo said.
For its part, Caritas Manila posted an appeal on its FB page, urging the public to pray for the safety of the people living around Mt. Bulusan.
“Almighty Father, You are the God of water, earth and sky. By your great power and mighty strength, You created the universe. The earth is filled with Your glory,” Caritas Manila said in its prayer.
“With humble hearts, we approach Your throne. We ask that You restore the calmness of Bulusan Volcano. We know nothing is impossible to You and You are always in control. May the boiling lava subside and molten rocks cool down,” it added.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) hoisted Alert Level 1 for Mt. Bulusan after it released a 1-kilometer tall plume resulting in ashfall in its surrounding areas, including the municipalities of Juban and Casiguran.
In a televised interview, Phivolcs chief Undersecretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said they are yet to raise a higher alert level for Mt. Bulusan, which will result in more mass evacuation since they have yet to detect any magma from the volcano.
“We have yet to recommend evacuation. But the local government can have a temporary evacuation if there will be a heavy ash fall in their areas,” Solidum said.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), meanwhile, said classes in three schools located at Barangays Sapa, Sangkayon and Añog in Juban were also suspended following the ashfall.
The Philippine National Police has been put on full alert in order in response to Bulusan’s explosion
Personnel of the Bulusan Municipal Police Station, in coordination with police stations in the vicinity, are continuously monitoring the activity of the volcano for possible evacuation, search and rescue operations of affected residents in four barangays.
The Bulusan police and the MDRRMO have alerted residents near the four kilometer permanent danger zone to be wary of the dangers of Bulusan and prepare for evacuation if needed.
“I know that the situation may also be difficult for our police personnel because their lives can also be at risk, but they have shown genuine service by way of monitoring and responding to this unfortunate event,” PNP Officer in Charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. said.
Policemen and other members of government agencies, including the Philippine Coast Guard, have been helping in clearing roads from ash.
“We will keep watch of the development since anything can still happen. We remind the residents to be vigilant and cooperative whenever force evacuation is implemented,” Danao said.