Residents in Albay grappled with heavy ashfall from Mayon Volcano over the weekend, forcing road clearing operations, evacuations, and flight restrictions as volcanic unrest persisted.

In a report by Bea Pinlac on GMA News Online, Ash blanketed several towns on Sunday, reducing visibility to near zero along Maharlika Highway in Camalig. 

Local authorities and residents worked together to hose down and sweep the roads to prevent accidents, while firefighters and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) carried out clearing operations in affected areas, including Guinobatan.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon arrived in Albay on Sunday to inspect ongoing clearing efforts and assess drainage systems.

“Sabi niya [Pangulong Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.] sa akin kagabi, diretso ako dito para masigurado na ma-clear natin kaagad... Kasi siyempre, grabe ang putok [ng Bulkang Mayon] kahapon, so ang dami [ng ashfall] eh,” Dizon said.

“Importante, ma-clear. Tapos tsetsekin ko rin 'yung mga drainage at mga waterways, kasi siguradong, kung may nag-flow, barado na naman 'yon. So kailangan natin... Kasi 'pag hindi mo na-clear, titigas eh di ba. So dapat ma-clear kaagad ngayon,” he added.

In Camalig, aerial and ground images shared by Mayor Caloy Baldo showed thick ash covering communities and farmlands. Residents were advised to stay indoors, while those who needed to go out were told to wear N95 masks to prevent respiratory problems.

Agricultural damage was reported in Barangay Anoling, where rice fields were buried in ash. At least five carabaos and two cows died, while two more animals were reported missing.

The Office of Civil Defense said at least 52 barangays in Albay were affected by ashfall. Some residents evacuated as a precaution, according to Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) chief Bobby Cristobal. The Philippine Coast Guard also urged communities near the volcano to remain alert and evacuate if necessary.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development said more than 300,000 food and non-food items have been prepositioned in the Bicol Region for affected residents.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) maintained Alert Level 3 over Mayon Volcano, citing intensified and magmatic unrest, including lava effusion, volcanic earthquakes, and rockfall events.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) issued a flight safety advisory following the volcano’s eruption at 3:43 a.m. on May 2. Airspace restrictions were imposed, prohibiting aircraft from operating up to 11,000 feet within a six-kilometer radius from the volcano’s summit.

The agency said the measure was necessary due to hazards posed by volcanic ash and airborne particles, which could affect aircraft engines and navigation systems.

“All airline operators, pilots, dispatchers, and aviation stakeholders are advised to closely coordinate with Air Traffic Services and monitor official updates before operating in affected areas,” CAAP said.

Some flights were canceled on Sunday, while classes in several areas were suspended for Monday, May 4, due to the effects of ashfall.