MANILA — More than 100,000 residents in Albay have been affected by the continuing unrest of Mayon Volcano, prompting the government to intensify emergency response operations as the volcano remains under Alert Level 3, authorities said Monday.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that at least 30,522 families, or 102,406 individuals, have been impacted by ashfall and related hazards, with 5,440 individuals currently staying in evacuation centers.
The government has activated a coordinated response as volcanic activity persists.
“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.
Evacuations have been enforced within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone, particularly in heavily affected areas such as Guinobatan and Camalig, where ashfall has blanketed communities and disrupted daily life.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) earlier confirmed ongoing pyroclastic density currents, or fast-moving flows of hot gas and volcanic debris, on Mayon’s slopes, underscoring the continuing threat.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said government efforts are focused on ensuring both safety and mobility in affected areas.
“Right now, we need to clean the roads because of the ashfall. And the DOH is also there and they gave masks for the smoke and the fumes that are coming out,” Marcos said.
He added that assistance has so far been adequate, citing close coordination with local government units.
Authorities said residents have been moved out of high-risk zones, with health concerns — particularly respiratory risks from ashfall — remaining a top priority.
Ongoing response measures include road clearing operations, distribution of N95 masks, water supply augmentation, and continuous monitoring of volcanic activity and ground conditions.
Officials urged the public to remain vigilant and strictly observe safety restrictions as Mayon’s unrest continues./PN
