Mayon ashfall affects 102,000 people in Bicol

National

ASHFALL from Mayon Volcano has affected at least 30,522 families or 102,406 individuals across 87 barangays in the Bicol Region following the volcano’s recent eruptive activity, authorities confirmed Monday, May 5.

Data from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Bicol showed that 5,440 affected individuals are currently staying in evacuation centers as local government units and national agencies continue relief and response operations in affected communities, a report by Inquirer.net said

A strombolian eruption was recorded at Mayon Volcano on Saturday, followed by continuous pyroclastic density currents and heavy ashfall that affected visibility, road conditions, and access to basic resources in several towns in Albay.

According to OCD deputy spokesperson Diego Mariano, water trucks, filtration systems, N95 masks, malongs, and other essential supplies continue to be distributed, while clearing operations remain ongoing to keep roads passable.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian to personally oversee response operations in Albay, particularly road clearing and aid distribution.

Marcos said he had already spoken with Noel Rosal, who assured him that the province’s immediate needs are currently being addressed with support from the national government.

Several affected towns, including Guinobatan and Camalig, are also experiencing water shortages worsened by extreme heat and heavy ash accumulation.

The provincial government of Camarines Sur deployed trucks carrying potable water to affected barangays as demand for clean water continued to rise.

Local officials said water remains critical not only for drinking but also for clearing ash-covered roads and communities affected by the eruption.

The Philippine Army has reinforced deployment in affected areas to support relief operations, maintain peace and order, and assist in possible evacuation efforts if volcanic activity worsens further.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as response and clearing operations remain ongoing across affected communities in the Bicol Region.(Rodgelyn Morales, CTU-TC BAEL-ELSD Intern)