Mayon ashfall devastates Albay farms

Farmers in Albay are facing severe losses after the ashfall from Mayon Volcano blanketed many areas with thick ash, destroying crops and threatening livelihoods.

According to a report of GMA News’ Bea Pinlac on Unang Balita Tuesday, vegetable farms in Barangay Sua, Camalig were left covered in heavy ashfall, damaging eggplant, chili, okra, and corn crops that were supposed to be harvested soon.

Local officials said the plants have already withered and are no longer usable.

At least 200 farmers in the barangay alone have been affected.

In nearby Barangay Anoling, farmers lamented that their months of hard work were wiped out in an instant. Some also reported losing livestock due to the eruption.

Despite the risks, some farmers are attempting to save what they can.

Residents in Guinobatan, meanwhile, are raising concerns over health risks from the ashfall.

Many have been cleaning their homes while dealing with respiratory difficulties, particularly among the elderly.

The government has mobilized assistance through the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), providing face masks, medical attention, and support to evacuees.

Authorities said nearly 200,000 residents across 130 barangays have been affected by the eruption.

Of these, a total of 5,459 individuals are currently staying in evacuation centers after being displaced since the volcano was placed under Alert Level 3 earlier this year.

Officials are continuing to assess whether to expand the current danger zone or raise the alert level.

They reiterated that farming, tourism, and quarrying activities remain strictly prohibited within the six-kilometer radius. —Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA News