Heavy Mayon ashfall affects thousands in Albay

ALBAY, Philippines – Thousands of households were affected as Mayon Volcano in Albay unleashed significant ashfall and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) on Saturday, May 2, with impacts reaching surrounding municipalities and as far as San Pascual in Masbate.

In Camalig, over 8,000 households were affected by the Mayon unrest. Officials said they expect the number of evacuees transferring to evacuation centers to increase.

“A lava dome collapse occurred, resulting in an ash cloud, and it was accompanied by lava fountaining with lava flowing from Mayon’s crater. Since January, this is the highest recorded seismic activity,” Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) head Oscar Robert Cristobal said in Filipino.

Cristobal assured the public that APSEMO and the provincial government have mobilized the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to clear and manage the situation in heavily affected areas.

“From the assessment of the BFP, we tapped the Provincial Engineering Office to request equipment that is used for the clearing of roads and responding to the immediate needs of the residents,” he added.

Following a meeting with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), APSEMO shared that the province will likely expand the declared danger zone after the recent Strombolian eruption affected numerous municipalities.

This escalation prompted local government units (LGUs) to immediately launch relief and recovery operations, ranging from distributing face masks to clearing heavy ashfall that covered establishments and rendered roads impassable. Below are the initiatives led by various municipalities:

RAPID RESPONSE. Personnel from the Guinobatan Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the local government immediately conducted ash-flushing operations to clear roads rendered impassable by the ashfall on Saturday, May 2. Photo from Guinobatan Mayor Ann Gemma Ongjoco.

Guinobatan

At least 39 barangays in Guinobatan were reportedly affected by the recent ashfall. Mayor Ann Gemma Ongjoco said that residents stranded in the town center due to the ashfall have already been safely transported back to their homes.

“We have already transported the stranded residents back to their homes. The LGU has distributed face masks to our constituents, and we are currently in the process of checking the water reservoirs affected by the ashfall to ensure the water supply remains safe to drink and use,” Ongjoco said.

Aside from distributing face masks, the Guinobatan LGU immediately initiated ash flushing operations to clean roads throughout the community. Together with the BFP, the LGU is continuously flushing away thick ash that covered the town.

MATERNAL PROTECTION. Mothers wear face masks while caring for their toddlers at an evacuation center in Camalig. Families sought safer shelter after a massive ashfall blanketed most parts of the town on Saturday, May 2. Photo from Camalig Mayor Caloy Baldo.

Camalig

After Mayon Volcano spewed ash that blanketed many parts of Camalig, the LGU distributed face masks to protect residents from ashfall-induced irritation. In coordination with the BFP, the LGU also immediately conducted flushing operations to clear roads that had been rendered impassable by the thick ash.

“The public is advised to stay indoors until authorities declare it safe. If going outside is necessary, wearing N95 masks is strongly recommended to prevent respiratory issues and other health complications caused by ashfall,” Camalig Mayor Caloy Baldo wrote in a public post.

The LGU continues to monitor and visit affected families from the permanent danger zone who are staying in evacuation shelters to provide further assistance. 

ASH PATROL. Local government personnel monitor traffic conditions to ensure the safety of residents and passersby, as thick ashfall covers the roads and much of the town on Saturday, May 2. Photo from Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Daraga.

Daraga

In response to the ashfall blanketing local roads, the Daraga LGU canceled cycling and Zumba events designed to promote car-free Sundays. Daraga Mayor Victor Perete explained that the cancellation was made to prioritize the safety of participants.

“The Lakaw-Pidal event is canceled for now while Mayon still erupts,” Perete said. 

The mayor added that all Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees (BDRRMC) are actively monitoring local conditions. These committees are also continuously reminding residents to observe safety measures outlined in the LGU’s latest advisory.

All other municipalities, particularly those in the second and third districts of Albay, are also on heightened alert as Mayon continues to pose a threat of eruption. – Rappler.com