Read more coverage of The Mayon volcano eruption: July 27, 2001 | August 7, 2001
07/02/01--According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Reuter reports, a bigger explosion of the Mayon Volcano is expected this week, according to Ed Laguerta, resident volcanologist of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
"Anytime within the next few days, we might experience a very big explosion," said Paul Alanis, spokesperson of Phivolcs. "Its top is still smoking right now in an apparent state of quiet."
The 8,000-feet Mayon began spewing truck-sized rocks and flaming ash a week ago, forcing more than 41,000 villagers to flee the area.
But some have returned following the initial eruption, complaining of dismal conditions at 32 centers established to cope with evacuees.
Health officials on Monday said there were increasing incidents of respiratory infection and diarrhea at the evacuation centers near the volcano, 205 miles southeast of Manila.
Increases in acute respiratory and other illnesses are brought about by congestion. One child has died of pneumonia, but relief officials said he was ill even before his family left their home. Health regional director Gerardo V. Bayugo explained that the spread of respiratory disease was hastened by congested conditions. The disease is generally transmissible directly by oral contact or droplet infections and indirectly by hands, handkerchiefs and respiratory discharges of infected persons, he said.
Provincial health official Veronica Madulid admitted conditions were overcrowded and water was scarce.
The evacuation centers hold 30 families to one classroom. They sleep on cold, concrete floors, while the limited number of toilets and washrooms are clogged, with drinking water supply running low, according to officials. A rapid assessment of camp facilities conducted daily by the DOH indicated poor provision of shelter in Camalig. The risks at the camps, health officials, said could come from water, food, garbage and human waste.
Source: Bigger Mayon explosion expected within the week, Philippine Daily Inquirer, July 02, 2001 and More Fireworks Likely As Philippine Volcano Simmers, Reuters, July 02, 2001
Katipunan-USA will be aiding victims of the Mayon Volcano erruption by contributing to the Catholic Relief Services Philippines Volcano Eruption project. If you would like to help, please mail your check to Katipunan-USA or Catholic Relief Services/Philippines indicating Mayon Volcano project.
Katipunan-USA
P.O. Box 8701
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
714-839-2615
Catholic Relief Services/Philippines
P.O. Box 17090
Baltimore, Maryland 21203-7090
http://www.catholicrelief.org/where/philip/index.cfm
1-800-736-3467
