The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Albay has reactivated its Regional and District Risk Reduction and Management (R/DRRM) Teams following alert status has been raised to Alert Level 3, by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOCS) which means that magma has most likely intruded at depth and that current conditions could eventually lead to a larger eruption.
“We have to make an effort to contribute to a zero casualty as called for by the Provincial Government of Albay,” said DPWH 5 OIC-Regional Director Armando G. Estrella in an emergency meeting held at DPWH, Rawis, Legazpi City on September 16, 2014.
“Earlier, Albay Governor and PDRRMC Chairman, Honorable Joey Sarte Salceda convened the concerned government units involved in disaster operations at the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in Albay. He declared a forced evacuation of residents within the six (6) kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) to minimize risks from sudden explosions, rock fall and landslides.
“Be sure to pool maintenance equipment and service vehicles with driver and maintenance crews in Albay District Engineering Offices, ready to be dispatched in affected areas or be utilized during evacuation and relief operations,” Dir. Estrella said.
“DPWH has five dump trucks, two back hoes, one pay loader and two stake trucks ready for deployment on any eventualities that maybe caused by Mayon eruption.
“Alternates routes for those probable national roads that might be affected by volcanic debris have also been identified. These routes are: For Daang Maharlika (DM), Camalig Section take Camalig-Comun-Inarado-Penafrancia route; for DM Jct. Legazpi-Sto. Domingo-Camarines Sur Bdry. Padang Section, take Tabaco-Ligao road or Pili-Tigaon-Albay Bdry. Road.
“Our Disaster Team is in constant coordination with the Regional and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council,” the director said.