How to protect yourself from ashfall

Several areas in Albay are experiencing ashfall due to increased volcanic activity at Mayon Volcano.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said at least 52 barangays in Camalig, Guinobatan, and Legazpi City have been affected.

The OCD said face masks have been prepared for distribution in affected communities and that it is coordinating with local government units, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), and the Department of Health (DOH) to assist residents.

Here are some safety measures during ashfall, according to the DOH:

• Wear a mask (preferably N95) or use a damp cloth to filter fine ash particles that may irritate the nose, throat, and lungs.
• Avoid going near the volcano’s Permanent Danger Zone, where harmful gases and hazards are more concentrated.
• Keep doors and windows closed, and seal gaps with damp cloths to prevent ash from entering.
• Stay hydrated to help ease irritation in the throat and respiratory tract.
• Monitor official advisories from PHIVOLCS and local government units.
• For emergencies, the public may contact the DOH through the national emergency hotline (911) or DOH Bicol at 0992-811-0733.

PHIVOLCS said a lava flow collapse-fed pyroclastic density current occurred at Mayon around 5:38 p.m. on Saturday.

In its Sunday bulletin, the agency reported ongoing lava effusion with flows down the Basud Gully (3.8 km), Bonga Gully (3.2 km), and Mi-isi Gully (1.6 km).

Minor Strombolian activity and short-lived lava fountaining were also observed, with a crater glow still visible.

PHIVOLCS recorded 32 volcanic earthquakes on Saturday, including 25 volcanic tremors lasting two to 15 minutes.

Alert Level 3 (Intensified Unrest/Magmatic Unrest) remains in effect, and the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone remains off-limits.—MCG, GMA News