Media’s notable coverage of Mayon unrest

AUTHORITIES RAISED Mayon Volcano to Alert Level 3 on June 8 after it showed an increased likelihood of hazardous eruption and potential explosion within weeks or even days. The alert level triggered the immediate evacuation of residents within the six-kilometer radius permanent danger zone (PDZ), while those living inside the seven-kilometer radius were told to prepare to evacuate.

Since then, Mayon Volcano has been spewing bright orange lava. The Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) pointed out that the “effusive” eruption, which involves a slow outpouring of lava, may last for months. 

Media’s coverage of Mayon’s activity gained from the experience of recent disasters such as the Taal Volcano eruption in 2020. Coverage honed in on the welfare of those affected, tracked the needs of the displaced, and explained to families and fellow Filipinos watching from afar the science behind the volcano’s restiveness. 

Apart from consistent interviews with national and local government agencies, CMFR monitored the notable media coverage of Mayon:

Science-Based Reporting

News outlets dutifully reported updates by Phivolcs and tried to cut through the scientific jargon with explainers and infographics. TV5’s Frontline Tonight and CNN Philippines explained two types of volcanic eruption – effusive and explosive eruption – and when such eruptions occur. The reports also looked back at previous eruptions of the volcano.

Apart from Mayon, Taal and Kanlaon were also being watched as it was placed at Alert Level 1. ANC’s Headstart and GMA-7’s Unang Balita citing Phivolcs explained these activities as independent of each other and that simultaneous volcano disturbances across the country are not a cause for concern.

Lives at the Center

News outlets, mostly online, also focused on the displaced communities, their narratives and issues.

• Bulatlat focused on the need of residents for long-term assistance, particularly a permanent relocation site with livelihood. Most of the evacuees are farmers who make a living from the rich soil around the volcano.
• Inquirer.net visited Mayon Volcano’s PDZ; the reporter interviewed a resident who wanted to evacuate but could not because she was unlisted in the records of their barangay. 
• Philstar.com cited Save the Children Philippines, a group which called attention to the children as the most vulnerable in disaster situations, as they are “uprooted from their homes and deprived of education.”
• BusinessMirror focused on the effect of the eruption on wildlife. While tens of thousands of farm animals were taken to safer grounds, the wild animals around Mayon “are on their own.” The report reviewed and explained how animals can adapt and evolve during frequent eruptions, while some species can be driven to extinction.

Issues Amid Disaster

Amid the disruption of the lives of residents, the media correctly focused on other current issues such as education and the Covid-19 crisis.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Philippine Star, GMA-7’s 24 Oras, and CNN Philippines reported on the “teaching tents” used to continue with schooling during the period of displacement. Among the 17,000 evacuated students, about 80 percent continued their lessons in tents, village halls, gardens, and under trees.

The media reported at least three Covid cases in the evacuation centers. As of June 26, around 20,000 people were in evacuation centers. Health officials explained how infections would be inevitable given the congestion. However, they assured management and control of the cases.

Why Is this Important?

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. described government response as “satisfactory,” but disaster impact can last longer than the news cycle. The situation of the communities should be kept in the news agenda, to keep reminding government of its unending obligation to address their needs.