DPWH: Quick response ready in case Mayon alert level raised

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) assured on Wednesday its quick response teams and assets are ready should the alert level in Mayon Volcano be raised. The DPWH made the remark following the report of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), indicating an increase in volcanic activity in Albay in the past 24 hours. In a statement, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the department has been preparing for quick response strategies amid the continued unrest of the Mayon volcano. “The DPWH Disaster and Incident Management Teams of Regional and nearby District Engineering Offices have been activated, while Quick Response Assets composed of 340 individuals with 30 equipment were prepositioned for any eventuality,” he said. Besides these assets, the DPWH also intends to ensure that relief aid and other assistance from various government agencies and sectors shall reach the Bicol region with ease. “As with all emergencies and calamities, DPWH quick response teams shall monitor the status of national roads and bridges and ensure access of roads for unhampered delivery of goods and services as well as response operations,” the DPWH said. The DPWH-Bicol Region has also identified alternative routes should the roads be closed or declared impassable. These include the Ligao-Tabaco Road as an alternative to Legazpi-Sto. Domingo-Tabaco Road; and Camalig-Comun-Gapo-Peñafrancia Road should the Camalig Section of Daang Maharlika be closed. As of Wednesday, seven volcanic earthquakes have been recorded in Mayon Volcano, with 309 rockfall events. This is much higher than Tuesday’s record logged with only a single volcanic earthquake and 221 rockfall events.

Source: Philippines News Agency