Ashfall threatens crops, livestock, communities amid Mayon unrest

Crops were damaged, livestock died and the health of communities are in danger due to the eruption and resulting ashfall from the increased volcanic activity of Mayon Volcano in Albay.

According to Bea Pinlac’s Monday report on “24 Oras,” a massive cloud of gray ash engulfed parts of Albay on Saturday, causing fear among residents not only for their lives but also for their homes and livelihood.

A video showed a farmer’s field covered in ash in Barangay Anoling in the town of Camalig.

Some livestock left in the field also died after the volcano spewed ash, which brought Edna Moico Moral to tears since it was their only source of livelihood.

Their field is within the permanent danger zone, making entry prohibited to the public.

However, they were able to plant within the area whenever the volcano was not active.

Camalig and Guinobatan are among the towns that frequently experience heavy ashfall from the volcano.

In Guinobatan, some residents expressed concern for their health as they cleaned ash from their homes.

Some senior citizens also experienced difficulty in breathing.

Authorities are studying whether the alert level of Mayon Volcano should be raised and if the danger zone needs to be expanded.

The extent of damage caused by ashfall, particularly in the agriculture sector, is still being assessed as evaluations are ongoing in affected towns such as Camalig and Guinobatan.

Meanwhile, classes in both public and private schools in Guinobatan will resume on Tuesday. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA News