Inside Mayon’s danger zone | #LookThrough

Summary

The Mayon Volcano in the Philippines is shrouded in a tragic love legend, believed to be restless when the warrior Pagduga disturbs the embrace of lovers Magayon and Panganoron. Currently under alert level 3 due to increased activity, the volcano has prompted evacuations within its six-kilometer danger zone. Residents face a difficult choice between safety in evacuation centers and the risk of staying to protect their homes and livelihoods. The government offers assistance, but the fear of eruptions remains, as past eruptions have lasted months, potentially extending beyond the danger zone.

Takeaways

• 🌋 Mayon Volcano is linked to the legend of star-crossed lovers, Daragang Magayon and Panganoron, with its eruptions symbolizing a disturbance in their love story.
• 🛑 On June 8, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology placed Mayon Volcano under Alert Level 3 due to increasing unrest.
• 🚨 Residents within the six-kilometer danger zone of Mayon Volcano have been evacuated due to the risks of an eruption.
• 🏚️ Barangay Miisi was permanently relocated in 1994 due to its proximity to the volcano, leaving the area barren.
• 💔 A woman named Amelia expressed concern as she and her husband were not accommodated in the evacuation center due to missing records.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Some evacuees, like Arnold, return to the danger zone to care for their homes and animals, despite the risks.
• ⚠️ Residents understand the need to evacuate but are torn due to the abandonment of their livelihoods and homes.
• 🏢 Six evacuation centers have been set up in Daraga Town, but evacuees still experience the ongoing fear of eruption.
• 💼 The government has promised livelihood assistance for displaced residents, with the Department of Labor and Employment offering paid jobs in evacuation centers.
• 🔥 The eruption of Mayon Volcano could last for months, as previous quiet lava flows extended beyond the six-kilometer danger zone, reminding people to stay cautious.

Q & A

What is the legend associated with Mayon Volcano?

The legend of Mayon Volcano is about star-crossed lovers, Daragang Magayon and Panganoron. When the volcano is calm, it symbolizes Magayon being embraced by Panganoron. However, when it rumbles, it is said that Magayon is being disturbed by another suitor, Pagduga, who caused the tragic end of Magayon and Panganoron’s love story.

What happened on June 8 according to the script?

On June 8, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology placed Mayon Volcano under Alert Level 3 due to its increasing unrest, which led to evacuations of residents living within the volcano's six-kilometer danger zone.

Why were residents evacuated from the six-kilometer danger zone?

Residents living within Mayon Volcano's six-kilometer danger zone were evacuated due to the risks posed by the increasing volcanic activity. The government decided to relocate these residents for their safety.

Who are Amelia and Jose, and what challenges do they face?

Amelia and Jose are a couple who live around four kilometers away from Mayon Volcano. They faced difficulties as they were not accommodated in the evacuation center because they were not included in the official records of Barangay Misi, which led them to return home despite the dangers.

What is the situation in Barangay Miisi?

Barangay Miisi used to be home to residents before they were permanently relocated in 1994 due to the dangers posed by Mayon Volcano. Now, the area is a barren land within the permanent danger zone.

Why do some residents return to their homes despite the danger?

Many residents, like Arnold Voice, return to their homes to check on their livelihood, such as feeding their animals, despite the risks. For many, abandoning their home also means abandoning their means of living, which creates a dilemma even though they understand the danger.

What assistance is provided to affected residents?

The national and local government, along with the Department of Labor and Employment in the Bicol region, is providing livelihood assistance to residents affected by Mayon Volcano’s unrest. This includes job opportunities through paid assistance in evacuation centers.

What is the significance of the legend in relation to Mayon’s volcanic activity?

The legend of Daragang Magayon and Panganoron is symbolically linked to the volcano’s activity. A calm volcano reflects the lovers’ embrace, while volcanic rumblings signify disruptions caused by Magayon’s other suitor, Pagduga, adding a cultural layer to how locals perceive the volcano's behavior.

What was the volcanic activity like in 2006, and how might it relate to the current situation?

In 2006, Mayon Volcano quietly effused lava for four months, with lava flows extending beyond the six-kilometer danger zone to 6.4 kilometers. This historical activity suggests that the current unrest may last for several months, and similar lava flows could occur.

What are the potential dangers of a Mayon Volcano eruption?

If Mayon Volcano erupts, the impacts could be devastating. While the exterior of the volcano may appear calm, there is scorching lava beneath the surface. The worst-case scenario could result in widespread destruction and loss of life, especially for those who do not evacuate.