Press Release
November 9, 2009

CHIZ STRESSES NEED FOR REGIONAL EVACUATION CENTERS

Opposition Senator Chiz Escudero is proposing the construction of regional evacuation centers to avoid crowding in public schools and disrupting classes after a major calamity. Escudero said that these centers would also serve as "regrouping" areas for residents who will be affected by any calamity.

The suggestion comes after reports from both the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council indicated that there will be an imminent explosion from Mt. Mayon.

"Local Government Units should think about setting aside a part of their budget for constructing central evacuation facilities. These areas could be placed in one permanent zone where people could gather and look for families," he said.

Last week, a resident Philvocs volcanologist in Bicol warned that Mayon may erupt anytime because of the presence of volcanic quakes, sulfur gas, and ash explosions. Philvocs also maintained Mount Mayon's alert status at Level 2, putting the volcano at a state of unrest.

Escudero said that recent activities in Mount Mayon may also require the residents to be forcibly evacuated from their homes. He said however that government buildings or schools may be used as temporary shelters in case the volcano explodes.

"When an explosion happens, people try to scramble in different directions to look for cover. If there is a specific area where a central evacuation center could be located, families can go there and look for each other," he said.

At the height of typhoon Santi in Albay, more than 14 thousand individuals and two thousand families were evacuated. As preparation for the possible disaster from Mayon, the local provincial government stockpiled food and rice.

"Another purpose for the regional evacuation center is to direct all relief efforts in one area. This could also make it easier for rescue officials to pinpoint the people who are missing," he added.

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