Thousands of families are driven out of their homes and places of work as Mayon Volcano’s alert status is raised to Alert Level 3. With sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates peaking at 2,360 tonnes/day on Sept. 6, 2014 and Mayon’s seismic network recording volcanic earthquakes and rockfall events, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) warns that a hazardous eruption is possible within weeks.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council (NDRRMC), a total of 9,303 families or 37,101 individuals are already inside 42 evacuation centers as of Sept. 20, 2014.  They came from the towns of Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, and Malilipot, and the cities of Ligao and Tabaco — all within the the 6-kilometer radius permanent danger zone. Many more are threatened by displacement as PHILVOCS suggests that a  “7-kilometer Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) on the southeastern flank be enforced due to the danger of rock falls, landslides and sudden explosions or dome collapse that may generate hazardous volcanic flows.”

Inside the evacuation centers, evacuees complain of overcrowding and lack of privacy.  As many as 15 families are sharing a room in some schools so classes could continue. With this living condition, sleep and rest is difficult and hygiene is almost impossible. Evacuees face increasing physical and psychological risks such as spread of infectious diseases and feelings of frustration and anxiety.

The future seems bleak as they are once again threatened with loss of lives, damage to property, water sources, farms and crops and livestock.

Appeal for Support

Displaced families are in need of immediate relief (food and non-food items) as they cannot go back to their homes yet. To date, they are dependent on outside aid for their food, shelter and other supplies. What little they brought from their homes is quickly dwindling.

Help us bring them hope.

Drop your donations at the CDRC Office, 72-A Times St., West Triangle Homes, Quezon City.

For cash donations:

Peso Account:

Account Name: Citizens’ Disaster Response Center

Bank: Metrobank, Examiner Branch, Quezon City, Philippines

Account No. 636-3-63600741-3

Dollar Account:

Account Name: Citizens’ Disaster Response Center

Bank: Metrobank, Examiner Branch, Quezon City, Philippines

Account No. 636-2-63600158-3

Swift Code: MBTCPHMM