Ashfall from Mayon blankets Albay town amid ‘effusive’ blast
CAMALIG, ALBAY—Several villages here experienced ashfall on Monday as Mayon Volcano continued its effusive eruption, according to local authorities.
The ash, falling along with rain, covered vehicles and reduced road visibility, forcing motorists to repeatedly use windshield wipers. Some farmlands were also affected.
In an advisory, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reminded the public to observe safety measures against ashfall, which can pose health risks to people and livestock and may damage aircraft, electronics and machinery.
Phivolcs said volcanic ash is composed of fine rock fragments thrown into the air during an eruption.
If ashfall significantly limits visibility, Phivolcs urged motorists to safely stop at the side of the road.
The agency recommended that residents stay inside, use a damp cloth or dust mask to cover their nose and mouth, and close all windows and doors.
Affected villages
Camalig Mayor Carlos Irwin Baldo Jr. said at least five villages in the Mayon danger zone, including Quirangay, Sua, Tumpa, Libod and Anoling, as well as several barangays in the town center, were hit by the ashfall.
“Face masks were distributed to residents as a protective measure,” he said, adding that evacuees at evacuation centers are being closely monitored.
Nongovernment organizations have been providing hot meals and conducting psychosocial activities, such as art therapy, storytelling and games. Evacuees were also oriented on proper garbage disposal to maintain cleanliness in the evacuation centers.
Some evacuees in nearby Malilipot town reported illnesses due to changing weather conditions. Many have stayed in temporary shelters for nearly a month, complaining of humid days and cold nights, leading to colds and coughs.
Sonia, an evacuee, said her grandson developed a cough and was checked by a private doctor. “We have no choice but to endure this as Mayon continues to show unrest,” she said.
Phivolcs recorded five volcanic earthquakes, 30 pyroclastic density current events and 315 rockfall events in the past 24 hours.
According to Phivolcs, Mayon has been undergoing an effusive eruption for 27 consecutive days, generating glowing lava flows.
The agency said no sulfur dioxide emissions were detected on Sunday, but lava flows have advanced to radial distances of 3.7 kilometers in Basud gully (east), 1.6 km in Bonga gully (southeast) and 1.3 km in Mi-isi gully. Observers have also noted ground deformation, or swelling, at the volcano’s edifice.
