Over 102K affected as Mayon unrest continues under alert level 3

As of the morning of May 4, 102,406 individuals from 87 barangays in Bicol Region have been affected by Mayon Volcano’s ongoing eruptive activity, which remains under Alert Level 3.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said a “whole-of-government” response is in place as volcanic activity continues.

Data from OCD Region V reveal that 30,552 families or 102,406 individuals across 87 barangays in the Bicol Region have been affected.

Of these, 1,438 families or 5,440 individuals are staying in evacuation centers, while 26 families or 85 individuals are receiving assistance outside.

“All assistance, services, and needs of the evacuees are being continuously provided by the local government units, together with the national government agencies,” OCD Deputy Spokesperson Diego Mariano said.

Authorities said preemptive evacuations were implemented in coordination with OCD, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and local government units, moving residents within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone to safer areas.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on May 2 reported pyroclastic density currents on the slopes of Mayon following a strombolian eruption over the weekend.

Monitoring also recorded volcanic earthquakes, rockfall events, pyroclastic density current signals, and sulfur dioxide emissions within a 24-hour period.

Amid these developments, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on May 3 directed the immediate delivery of government assistance to communities affected by ashfall.

“Following the President’s directive, response operations are now in full swing to protect public health, ensure safety, and keep roads and essential services accessible,” the Palace said in a statement.

Marcos also instructed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to clear ash from major roads to keep them passable.

Police personnel were likewise deployed in parts of Albay to assist with traffic management and support motorists facing low-visibility conditions due to ashfall.

Health measures, including the distribution of protective masks, were also ordered on May 4 for affected communities.

“The first concern, of course, was the health concerns. We were able to bring out the people who were in the danger area,” Marcos said.

Camalig and Guinobatan towns were identified among the areas most impacted by the volcanic activity.

The OCD said local government units, backed by national agencies, are continuing to provide essential services and aid to evacuees.

Ongoing response efforts include the use of water trucks, installation of water filtration systems, distribution of N95 masks and malongs, and clearing of roads.

The agency added that coordination and monitoring efforts remain active to ensure community safety.

Authorities urged residents to follow restrictions within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone and remain alert as the situation continues to evolve.