Over 6,000 households in Albay province have been affected by ashfall following the eruption of Mayon Volcano on Saturday, according to Albay Governor Noel Rosal on Monday.
Rosal stated that the collapse of the volcano's lava dome caused ashfall that hit the towns of Guinobatan and Camalig. In Guinobatan, ash thickness reached one to two inches.
Vince Dizon of the Department of Public Works and Highways personally visited to inspect clearing and flushing operations in the affected areas. Meanwhile, the Maharlika Highway leading to Naga City is now passable.
No casualties or injuries have been reported. The governor attributed the lack of severe damage to the preparedness of the residents. However, some livestock deaths and crop damage due to ashfall were reported. There are also reports of animals buried under ash and volcanic materials.
The local government has ordered the wearing of face masks, particularly N95, due to the health risks posed by the ash, especially to children.
Currently, there are 1,238 evacuees from within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ). Authorities are studying the possible expansion to seven kilometers, which could affect an additional 10,000 families.
The volcano remains at Alert Level 3, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, indicating a continued threat of a stronger eruption.
The mayor of Camalig, Carlos Irwin Baldo Jr., has requested assistance from the Department of Health for additional medicine to prevent diseases caused by ashfall.
