Mayon ashfall devastates Albay farms, kills livestock

MANILA, May 6 ------ Days after a burst of volcanic activity from Mayon Volcano, farms, roads, and villages in Albay remain buried under thick gray ash, disrupting agriculture and daily life in affected communities.

Green Lava, a popular tourist destination in Barangay Miisi, Daraga, is among the hardest-hit areas at the foothold of the volcano. The once-vibrant landscape has been transformed into a gray wasteland, buried in ash and volcanic rocks. Francis Lorica, a caretaker, said the more than one-hectare site has turned “completely gray,” with cattle and carabaos found dead after the eruption. “Of course, it’s devastating because what used to be green turned into lava. That area is vast, maybe more than a hectare. Many animals died—cows and carabaos,” Lorica said.

The area lies within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone, where entry is strictly prohibited. Albay Governor Noel Rosal said authorities are enforcing a “no man’s land” policy in high-risk areas, warning that a stronger eruption could push hazards beyond current boundaries. “If it has reached that far, it is not impossible that the next eruption could go beyond it,” Rosal said, adding that even farmers are barred from entering.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has temporarily restricted on-site inspections due to volcanic hazards, with drones set to assess the extent of damage.

Communities struggle with ashfall

Around 6,000 households across Albay have been affected, with Guinobatan among the hardest hit. All 44 barangays in the town are affected, prompting some residents to volunteer in clearing ash-clogged roads. “I just volunteered for it because I no longer count on the barangay,” said Lito Opiana.

Aside from cleaning rooftops, some households have placed tarpaulins and plastic sheets outside their homes as makeshift barriers. “We just put up tarps and plastic so our house wouldn't get soaked, especially our food and belongings,” said Jacqueline Llaneta. Access to clean water has also become a challenge in Barangay Maninila after ashfall contaminated water sources. “I just boil the water from the pump and then that’s what I drink,” said Jocelyn Bustillos.

Farmers across affected towns face mounting losses as crops are damaged by ashfall. “It needs to rain so the lava can be washed away. If not, the crops will die because it’s too hot,” said farmer Platon Odiver. Initial estimates place agricultural damage at around P4 million in Camalig and Daraga, according to the provincial agriculture office.

The Provincial Veterinary Services reported livestock deaths due to ash exposure, with more at risk as grazing areas remain covered. Provincial veterinarian Dr. Pancho Mella said emergency feed assistance has been distributed, though supplies remain limited. “The most urgent need is food because there is almost no grass left. We have distributed commercial feeds, but animals cannot rely on these alone. We are coordinating with other local government units to source fresh grass and identify relocation areas,” Mella said. Authorities are planning to relocate livestock to unaffected areas if volcanic activity persists.

Thousands affected, clarifications issued

Phivolcs clarified that the event earlier described as a “lava flow collapse” was more accurately a “lava collapse” caused by instability in the lava dome. “Instead of advancing, the lava flow became steep and repeatedly collapsed, generating a large ash cloud,” explained Doreen Abellinde, Officer-in-Charge of the Mayon Volcano Observatory. Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, indicating high unrest but no immediate large-scale eruption. Activity has returned to what authorities describe as “normal abnormal” levels. Earlier today, a separate earthquake was felt in parts of Albay, including Tabaco, Ligao, and Legazpi City. Phivolcs said the tremor is unrelated to Mayon’s activity and is not expected to influence the volcano’s behavior.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com