Mayon eruption affects 52 Albay villages

MANILA, Philippines, May 4 ------ At least 52 barangays in several towns in Albay were affected by thick ashfall after Mayon Volcano erupted on Saturday, the Office of Civil Defense said. The OCD in the Bicol region reported that villages in Camalig and Guinobatan towns, as well as in Ligao City, were heavily affected by the pyroclastic density current at the Mi-isi gully on the south-southwestern slope of the volcano.

Diego Mariano, OCD deputy spokesperson, said at least 30,500 families were affected, including the 1,400 residents temporarily sheltered in evacuation centers. “The continuous dissemination of warnings and advisories in affected and nearby areas is still ongoing, along with coordination of response efforts among agencies. Initially, we distributed face masks, especially in Camalig. There are more on standby for further distribution,” Mariano said.

Mayon will stay under Alert Level 3 amid the recent ashfall, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said. Based on Phivolcs’ 24-hour summary observation, lava effusion with lava flow was recorded on Basud, Bonga, and Mi-isi gullies, with episodic minor strombolian activity and short-lived lava fountaining.

Successive pyroclastic density currents along the Mi-isi gully and ashfall on the southwestern slopes were recorded, with 32 volcanic earthquakes and 25 volcanic tremors. Flights were restricted up to 11,000 feet from the ground within a six-kilometer radius of the volcano summit to ensure safety, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

The national government assured affected residents of continued assistance, with the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) noting that the Department of Social Welfare and Development has prepositioned 301,303 family food packs and other basic items. The PCO said P39.6 million has been released under the cash-for-work and emergency cash transfer programs, following President Marcos’ directive to send immediate assistance.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, upon the directive of President Marcos, rushed yesterday to inspect the affected areas in Guinobatan and Camalig, saying the priority is to immediately clear debris along national roads and check on drainage systems. Dizon emphasized the urgency of clearing roads and other affected areas, as accumulated debris could worsen conditions if left unattended.

The Philippine National Police intensified its disaster response and security operations in Albay, with PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. saying police officers were immediately mobilized to assist in the evacuation efforts. The Philippine Coast Guard placed 124 Deployable Response Group personnel on standby for deployment, with PCG-Bicol chief Commodore Ivan Roldan saying the DRG personnel are ready to render humanitarian assistance. 

Source: philstar.com