The volcano spewed ash that blanketed several towns since Saturday.
On Monday, May 4, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. noted that the government is “ready” to address the needs of Albay residents affected by heavy ashfall caused by the recent emission of pyroclastic density current of the Mayon Volcano in Albay.
He said that concerned government agencies jave been instructed to check on the situation, to implement immediate medical assistance, and conduct clearing operations in the affected areas.
“I have just received – last (Sunday) night, I was receiving report nung mga pinapunta namin at (Public Works and Highways) Secretary Vince (Dizon) was also there, DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development),” said the chief executive. “We are all ready kung anong pangangailangan nila.”
Marcos shared that at the moment, roads need to be cleaned up due to the the ashfall and said that the Department of Health is there to assist and already gave out masks for people that need to step out of their residence.
“Right now… kailangang linisin ang mga kalsada dahil sa ashfall. At ang DOH nandoon din at nagbigay sila ng mga mask para…sa usok at saka sa mga fumes na lumalabas,” said the President.
PBBM also told that he had already spoken with Albay officials, who said that the national government had provided the necessary assistance to address the problems.
“I spoke also to the governor and sabi naman niya that lahat ng needs ng Albay so far ay mayroon tayong suportang binigay…. Unfortunately, we are used to Mayon, but never mind, we are able to minimize the effects of the ashfall that is going into certain populated areas at ‘yun ang inaalala natin,” Marcos continued.
He also said that the main concern is the health issues, which the government is currently addressing. “The first concern, of course, is the health – health concerns. And we were able to bring out the people who were in the danger area.”
“We were able to support them with medical attention. And now, we are working on opening all the thoroughfares para lahat ng mga kailangang pumasok ay makapasok. Lahat ng kailangang lumabas ay makalabas,” President Marcos furthered.
President Marcos said the thoroughfares might be open by Monday and hoped that Mayon Volcano would no longer spew ash. “Huwag lang magbuga ulit. Kung hindi na magbuga ulit… mabuksan na natin ang mga ano, mga thoroughfares pasok labas doon sa area.”
PHIVOLCS BULLETIN
Meanwhile, according to the latest bulletin of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), there have been lave flows in the Basud (3.8 km), Bonga (3.2 km) at Mi-isi (1.6 km) gullies.
The state volcanologists also said that there were 5 volcanic earthquakes, including 4 volcanic tremors (1-3 minutes in length); 411 Rockfall at 4 pyroclastic density current signals or “uson,” with the crater glow also visible.
Meanwhile, Mayon also emiited 1829 tons od Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) on May 3, with the moderate plume drifting west-southwestward.
As regards to the ground deformation, there is a thinning of the volcano as there is a swelling that is being logged in the northeast side.
Entry inside the six-kilometer (6 km) radius Permanent Danger Zone and flights of any aircraft, regardless of sizes, are prohibited.
PHIVOLCS also warns of rockfall events, the possible spewing of chunks of lava and rocks, lave flow, uson, moderate eruption, and lahar, should there be strong rainfall.