Thick ashfall from Mayon Volcano affected at least 52 villages across Albay province on May 2, prompting safety advisories and ongoing response operations.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Bicol reported that the affected areas include barangays in the towns of Camalig and Guinobatan, as well as in Ligao City. The ashfall was triggered by pyroclastic density currents flowing through the Mi-isi Gully, impacting multiple communities in the vicinity.

In response, the OCD distributed around 250 boxes of face masks to affected local government units, including Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, and Ligao City, to help protect residents from volcanic ash.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the ash plume drifted west-southwest, with ashfall heavily affecting Camalig and Guinobatan. The agency estimated the pyroclastic density current runout at up to four kilometers.

Government response units have been placed on high alert. The Philippine Coast Guard District 5 has mobilized over 120 personnel for possible deployment, ready to assist in evacuation and humanitarian efforts.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Bicol has deployed teams to the affected areas, providing emergency response, evacuation support, and other essential services. Fire stations across Albay remain on full operational readiness as authorities continue to monitor the situation.

Residents in high-risk areas are advised to follow official advisories and take necessary precautions as Mayon Volcano’s activity persists.