Albay on full alert to provide aid to over 11K evacuees affected by Mayon activity

Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara has ordered full assistance to more than 11,000 evacuees in the province due to the recent activities of Mt. Mayon.

Bichara tasked key departments of the province to provide assistance to affected residents as Phivolcs raised the alert status of Mayon to Alert Level 3.

“The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) has been repacking relief goods to be distributed to the evacuees and is preparing for an extended evacuation stay as Mayon Volcano has been put in Alert Level 3 and displaced families may be forced to stay longer at the evacuation centers,” the province said.

“In partnership with City and Municipal Local Government Units, the PGA will provide all the necessary support to ensure that the evacuees receive their basic needs,” it added.

For its part, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) has already sent out N95 facemasks to help protect residents and filter out microscopic ash ad dust particles spewed out by Mayon Volcano which could cause health hazards.

Meanwhile, the province said that medical needs are already being readied for those evacuees needing medical attention.

“Three teams from the PHO are currently doing rounds at the centers to check on the welfare of the families, especially the children,” the province.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has issued a notice of emergency meeting for 1 pm today and gather all stakeholders to discuss issues and handle reports about ongoing operations for affected residents.

“Governor Al Francis Bichara and DOST-PHIVOLCS maintains close monitoring of Mayon Volcano and any new development will be communicated to all,” the province said.