Mayon ashfall: Albay cleanup straining water supply

MANILA, Philippines — Efforts to clear heavy ashfall from Mayon Volcano are straining water resources in parts of Albay, forcing local governments to ration water for cleanup operations.

In Guinobatan, officials said sustained flushing and clearing have sharply increased water demand.

Search for alternative sources such as submersible pumps have since started, according to state news reports.

As for drinking water, the municipality alone needs about 15,000 liters daily for 1,325 affected families, according to regional estimates. Water is now being rationed in at least 12 villages.

Fire trucks from nearby provinces have been deployed to assist, while the Department of Public Works and Highways continues declogging efforts to prevent ash from blocking drainage systems and triggering flooding during rains.

Health concerns, particularly respiratory risks from ashfall, have added urgency to the cleanup.

Resources stretched

National and regional agencies have mobilized support, including food packs, face masks and medical supplies, alongside additional personnel.

Water assistance is also being rolled out through the distribution of containers, filtration units and sanitation teams as authorities work to stabilize supply while sustaining operations.

Local officials said on-site assessments have helped convey the scale of the situation to national authorities.

“At least nakita nila at na-witness kung ano talaga ang sitwasyon sa Guinobatan. Makakarating ang first-hand information sa ating presidente,” Guinobatan Mayor Ann Gemma Ongjoco said, as quoted in a Philippine News Agency report. (At least they saw and witnessed the real situation in Guinobatan. First-hand information will reach our president.)

Flood risk warning. Authorities warned that ash accumulation could clog drainage systems, raising the risk of flooding if heavy rains occur.

Residents have been advised to stay indoors, wear protective gear and follow local advisories as response efforts continue.

Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3 after the ashfall episode late Saturday that affected at least 52 villages in the province.