Albay provides face masks, heightens preparedness amid Mayon ashfall

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) had provided protective supplies to communities affected by Mayon Volcano's continuing unrest in the First District.

APSEMO chief Oscar Robert Cristobal said Tuesday the provincial government coordinated with Bacacay after light ashfall was reported in several villages as southwest monsoon (habagat) winds worsened the spread of volcanic ash.

"So far, only Bacacay has reported experiencing light ashfall because the prevailing winds are now blowing toward the first district," Cristobal said.

Minimal ashfall was likewise reported in parts of Malilipot.

APSEMO, in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), has been sending face masks and other protective supplies to Bacacay to help protect residents should ashfall continue.

"We continue to send assistance, including face masks, to the municipality of Bacacay together with the OCD. These will be needed if the ashfall persists so that our residents will have protection," he said.

Despite the increase in volcanic activity, Cristobal assured the public that APSEMO and its partner agencies remain on heightened alert and are prepared to respond should the situation escalate, “with the support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Office of Civil Defense and other government agencies.”

Cristobal said Mayon's sulfur dioxide emissions increased again after declining recently but noted that the volcanic gas has not caused significant effects on communities outside the permanent danger zone.

All residents within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone have not returned since January, minimizing the risk to lives despite the volcano's continuing unrest. (PNA)