MANILA (UCAN/Agencies): Thousands of people were forced to flee their homes on June 5 following the eruption of Bulusan Volcano, in Sorsogon, the Bicol region of the Philippines. The eruption sent huge clouds of ash and steam into the sky, triggering the evacuation of about 2,100 families from at least three towns.
They were given shelter in schools turned into evacuation centres in nearby towns after being advised to leave because their homes were built with light materials such as bamboo. Authorities feared falling rocks and ash would put them at greater risk.
“We were forced to leave our home because our roof is flimsy. We were afraid that rocks would crush us,” Marilyn Castro, a Sorsogon City resident, said.
Castro said rocks and other debris kept falling during the initial eruption which lasted almost 20 minutes. The second was followed by ash fall that covered huge tracts of land, particularly rice fields and coconut plantations in the province.
The Inquirer.net reported on June 5 that the team of outgoing vice president, Leni Robredo, had already begun relief operations.
We are currently preparing for our relief operations in Bulusan, Sorsogon and the surrounding areas. Immediate needs identified are face masks and bottled water. Our team will be traveling to Sorsogon ASAP. Will continue to update you of other needs
Leni Robredo
“We are currently preparing for our relief operations in Bulusan, Sorsogon and the surrounding areas. Immediate needs identified are face masks and bottled water,” Rorbedo said on Twitter, adding, “Our team will be traveling to Sorsogon ASAP. Will continue to update you of other needs.”
Many farmers were hesitant to leave their homes because of their livestock.
“Authorities want people to evacuate. But what about our cattle and livestock? What if someone steals them? We have no other source of income,” farmer Rodel Marcial said.
Meanwhile, Caritas Philippines called for aid to help affected residents, especially farmers. It is welcoming cash donations, food supplies and masks.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
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The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology declared a four-kilometre danger zone around the volcano and rerouted air traffic.
Clean-up operations have already begun to keep spring water from being contaminated by ash so that residents may have potable water.
“This is the first priority since many of the residents in the province rely on spring water. Their water source needs to be clean,” firefighter, Gary Dioliata, explained.
Bulusan is one of the country’s most active volcanoes and similar eruptions were recorded in 2016 and 2017.
