Albay residents take caution amid Mayon Volcano ashfall

Face masks are becoming essential anew for some residents in Albay who have experienced an ashfall event from Mayon Volcano on Monday night.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Oscar Oida, in some areas, residents use their umbrellas to shield themselves from the volcanic ash as they walk on the streets.

Thin traces of ashfall were reported in Legazpi City and Daraga town on Monday following the uson and rockfall, PHIVOLCS said.

The uson and rockfall, the agency said, continually shed by Mayon Volcano onto the Miisi, Bonga and Basud Gullies on Monday, January 19, 2025.

"Thin to traces of ashfall have been reported in Legazpi City and Daraga," PHIVOLCS said.

"It's like snow.  But when I came out take a video, I think I ingested a small portion of the ashfall, which made me cough," said Marites Manunsing of Barangay Rawiz.

Another resident, Luis Santillan, described the ashfall like dust particles falling from the sky.

Jose Reyes, a store owner, said his plants, car and other items he uses can be seen covered by the ashes.

"The joke here goes like this: leave your home in white, return wearing black," he said.

Barangays have constantly warned residents to remain indoors when possible and to wear face masks.—LDF, GMA Integrated News