BULUSAN ERUPTION. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Sunday (June 5, 2022) raises the alert status over Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon province to Alert Level 1. The Department of Agriculture-Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operations Center instructed farmers and fishers to prioritize their safety and evacuate farm animals. (Photo courtesy of Sorsogon Provincial Information Office)
MANILA – The Department of Agriculture-Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operations (DA-DRRMO) Center advised farmers and fishers on Monday to evacuate farm animals to “safer areas” as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the Bulusan Volcano to Alert Level 1 or the low-level unrest, following its phreatic eruption.
In its bulletin, the DA-DRRMO instructed farmers to keep livestock away from the danger area, particularly the four-kilometer radius, classified as the permanent danger zone.
“Keep animals from grazing in areas affected by ashfall. Do not let animals drink water with ash,” the DA said in an infographic.
If inevitably exposed to ashfall, livestock must also be washed to avoid ingestion.
However, DA Secretary William Dar said the safety of the farmers and fishers must be prioritized, recommending them to stay indoors.
“Secretary Dar emphasizes that the priority of the Department is to ensure the safety of farmers, fisherfolk, their families, and other rural folks, including their farm animals,” the DA said.
Returning to danger zones should also be avoided, unless permitted by authorities, especially for fishers attempting to secure an early harvest.
The DA-DRRMO also warned of a possible “clogging of engines or abrasion damages” for driving farm machinery amid heavy ashfall.
Farmers and fishers were also told to use protective gear if outdoor activities cannot be avoided. (PNA)
