No, Mayon Volcano’s eruption is NOT “a beautiful disaster”

Mayon Volcano’s “beautiful disaster” trend is insensitive.

As Mayon Volcano continues to ooze fiery lahar and blanket Albay in gray ash, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) advises nearby residents to evacuate and monitor the volcano’s status at Alert Level 3. While the devastating effects of the eruption further overwhelms Albay locals, some social media posts show netizens admiring the monstrous yet stunning view of Mayon’s effusive lava flow from afar labeling it as “beautiful disaster.”

Despite the cinematic glow and romanticized imagery, radar reminds everyone that a calamity like this is never beautiful and may be insensitive to those who are actually at the forefront of the disaster. According to Camalig Mayor Carlos Irwin Baldo Jr., at least five villages in the Mayon danger zone have been covered in ash, causing health risks to people living near those areas.

The eruption also brings negative impacts on agriculture that may destroy the livelihood of Bicolano farmers and may affect Philippine exports. These include:

• Crop Destruction
  • Bicol’s primary exports such as abaca and coconut are being smothered by ash, which can chemically affect young crops.
• Livestock Health
  • Animals grazing on ash-covered grass may suffer from “fluorosis” or respiratory failure.

Local authorities continue to warn everyone at Albay to wear N95 masks and stay away from the 6 – 7 km Extended Danger Zone.

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