8 Albay LGUs under calamity state amid Mayon unrest
LEGAZPI CITY—The provincial government of Albay has placed several areas under a state of calamity as unrest at Mayon Volcano continues to impact surrounding communities.
A resolution approved by the provincial board on Tuesday covers Tabaco City, Legazpi City, and Ligao City, as well as the towns of Camalig, Malilipot, Sto. Domingo, Daraga, and Guinobatan.
Board Member Milagros Bal said the declaration aims to speed up relief and rehabilitation efforts as volcanic hazards persist.
On May 2, thousands of families were affected by ashfall from a large pyroclastic density current (PDC) triggered by the collapse of accumulated lava in the Mi-isi Gully in Daraga.
The province also reported that it recorded more than P7 million in agricultural damage following a PDC that triggered heavy ashfall across three towns near Mayon Volcano.
In an interview, Provincial Agriculturist Daryl John Buenconsejo said initial assessments placed losses at about P6.7 million for rice and high-value crops.
Danger zone
He reported that 24.26 hectares of rice fields were destroyed after being blanketed by thick ash, while 17 ha were damaged.
In addition, around 21.54 ha of high-value crops were burned or buried in volcanic material and are no longer recoverable. Assessment of corn plantations is still ongoing.
Buenconsejo said authorities are coordinating with other agencies to roll out cash-for-work programs and other forms of assistance for at least 171 affected farmers.
He also reminded residents to stay out of the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone as volcanic activity continues to pose risks in surrounding communities.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the ashfall was caused by the collapse of accumulated lava in the Mi-isi Gully, which generated the PDC.
A similar event was later recorded, although no ashfall reached nearby towns, according to Phivolcs-Legazpi volcanologist Paul Karson Alanis.
The May 2 PDC also resulted in livestock losses, including seven carabaos, three cows, and about 40 chickens, with total animal damage estimated at P386,000 in parts of Camalig and Daraga.
According to the Albay Veterinary Services Office, feeding livestock remains difficult as thick ash continues to blanket affected areas. Authorities have distributed commercial feeds to farmers in evacuation or pooling sites and are advising that forage may still be used if properly washed.
The Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office reported that 43,409 families, or about 119,307 people, across 80 villages in Camalig, Guinobatan, and Ligao City have been affected by ashfall. Clearing operations are ongoing, with priority given to main roads as many interior areas remain heavily covered in ash.
In Daraga, Mayor Victor Perete said at least five villages may be placed at risk if heavy rains occur, as loose volcanic materials could cascade downhill and affect nearby communities.
He said farms in the area were heavily affected, with initial estimates showing about 200 farmers impacted after crops were buried or damaged by ashfall.
During an ocular inspection, Perete noted that lahar deposits have begun to take new flow paths after existing gullies were filled with volcanic material.
“That is the danger if the volume continues to increase, considering Mayon is under alert level 3,” he told the Inquirer.
Perete said a strict no-human-activity policy has been enforced in the affected areas, particularly for farming and leisure activities, to ensure public safety.
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