CFCA news

Volcano threat prompts thousands to evacuate

December 16, 2009

LEGAZPI, Philippines — About 50,000 people, including families in the CFCA Legazpi project, began evacuations Dec. 15 as the nation’s most active volcano threatened to erupt.

Gari Olavario, Legazpi project coordinator, said the Mayon volcano was emitting lava and ash continuously.

“I’m working hand in hand with our workers in charge of the sponsored families whose houses are in the 6- to 8-kilometer (3.6- to 4.8-mile) danger zone,” Olavario said. “Some of them already evacuated the place and the rest are still looking for centers to stay with.”

Government volcano experts said more than 80 volcanic quakes have occurred, and they predicted a large eruption within days.

Mayon, which stands at 8,077 feet, has erupted 49 times since 1616. Mayon’s last major eruption was in 1993.  

The Legazpi project serves more than 9,000 children, youth and aging persons.