MANILA, Philippines — More than 6,000 houses in Albay have been affected by ashfall from Mayon Volcano following its recent unrest, Governor Noel Rosal confirmed on Monday, May 4, 2026. The ashfall was triggered by the collapse of the volcano’s lava dome last Saturday, blanketing several municipalities in thick volcanic debris.

Rosal said the ashfall heavily impacted the towns of Guinobatan and Camalig, where ash deposits reached one to two inches in thickness. “More than 6,000 households ang tinamaan ng ashfall, ‘yung mga bahay,” he told GMA’s Unang Balita.

The governor noted that the Maharlika Highway is already passable toward Naga City after clearing operations led by the Department of Public Works and Highways. He emphasized the need for protective gear, saying, “Kailangan ngayon ang mandatory face mask. Dapat N95 kasi hazardous itong ashfall na ito lalo na sa mga bata.”

Despite the widespread ashfall, Rosal assured residents that no casualties were reported. “Resilient ang Albay. Alam nila ang gagawin... So far, no casualties tayo. Even sa hospital, wala. Nakapaghanda ang mga kababayan,” he said.

However, the ashfall caused damage to agriculture and livestock. Rosal reported that six animals, including carabaos, died after being buried in volcanic debris. Crops in affected areas also sustained damage, raising concerns about food supply.

Since January, 1,238 residents living within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone have been evacuated. Authorities are now considering expanding the zone to seven kilometers to ensure public safety.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a full government response to assist affected communities. The Department of Health is distributing N95 masks and deploying mobile clinics, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development has prepositioned food packs and relief supplies. The Bureau of Fire Protection has also been mobilized to spray water and clear ash from roads.

Rosal expressed gratitude to the national government for its support, noting that relief operations are ongoing to provide food and medical assistance to displaced families.

Mayon Volcano, known for its near-perfect cone shape, remains one of the country’s most active volcanoes. PHIVOLCS continues to monitor its activity closely, warning of possible lahar flows if heavy rains occur.

The latest unrest underscores the persistent threat posed by Mayon Volcano to surrounding communities, with authorities urging residents to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories as the situation develops.

Image from Ann Gemma Ongjoco