Mayon ashfall displaces thousands

National

HEAVY ashfall from Mayon Volcano displaced thousands of residents and killed livestock after pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) darkened skies across parts of Albay on Saturday, May 2.

At least 403 families (1,427 individuals) in Camalig were affected, with many seeking temporary shelter in schools and modular tents. In nearby Guinobatan, ashfall reached 44 villages, impacting over 28,000 families, according to local officials per a report by Inquirer.net.

Authorities said the ashfall was triggered by the collapse of lava deposits in the Mi-isi Gully, producing fast-moving PDCs. Activity was still being monitored late Saturday evening.

The ash covered homes, roads, and farmlands, making travel difficult and forcing residents to evacuate quickly, especially those in light-material houses. Classes and local activities were suspended, and face masks were distributed to reduce health risks.

Agricultural damage was also reported, with several livestock killed and crops affected as thick ash blanketed fields. Farmers were advised to move animals away from high-risk zones.

Officials are still assessing the full extent of damage.(Zsarrhied Samantha A. Tanjay,

CTU-TC BAEL-ELSD Intern)