MANILA: Mayon Volcano’s ashfall has so far affected 30,522 families or 102,406 people across 87 barangays (smallest unit of administration) in Bicol region as of Monday morning (May 4), according to Office of Civil Defence (OCD) deputy spokesperson Diego Mariano.
Of those who were affected, 5,440 were staying in evacuation centres, Mariano told reporters in a text message, citing data from the OCD Bicol region.
“All assistance, services and needs of the evacuees are being continuously provided by the local government units, together with the national government agencies,” he said.
“Water trucks [were] deployed. Rollout of water filtration systems, provision of essential items such as N95 masks and ‘malong' (sarong), and clearing operations to keep roads passable are continuously [being] conducted,” Mariano added.
A strombolian eruption was recorded at Mayon Volcano on Saturday, followed by the release of continuous pyroclastic density currents and heavy ashfall.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, meanwhile, said he directed Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian to go to Albay and personally oversee the government response, particularly in clearing roads and providing assistance to those affected.
According to Marcos, he already spoke with Albay Gov. Noel Rosal, who told him that “all the needs of the province so far are being met, [and] that the national government has provided the necessary support.”
“We are used to Mayon Volcano erupting. But even so, we are able to minimise the effects of the ashfall, especially in certain populated areas, which is our main concern,” the President said.
Water shortage
“We were able to bring out the people who were in the danger area. We were able to support them with medical attention,” he added.
On Sunday, he ordered government agencies to immediately assist communities affected by ashfall, particularly in Guinobatan and Camalig towns in Albay.
The Camarines Sur provincial government deployed on Monday three trucks carrying potable water to several barangays to help address a supply shortage.
“When fellow Bicolanos are in need, we do not wait. Water is the most immediate necessity and we are here to provide it,” Gov. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. said.
Residents, including Gina Odono, expressed gratitude for the aid, saying it reduced the cost and difficulty of getting safe drinking water.
In a separate interview, Guinobatan Mayor Ann Gemma Ongjoco said the town has been experiencing water shortage, worsened by the hot weather, adding that water is also crucial for clearing ash from roads.
The Philippine Army has reinforced its presence in the town, deploying additional troops to maintain peace and order and provide support to relief operations.
Army Brig. Gen. Emil Cruz, commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, said that military vehicles are on standby to speed up aid delivery to remote areas and can also be used for evacuation if needed. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
