Albay: Neighboring provinces have extended assistance to residents affected by massive ashfall from Mayon Volcano, which hit the municipalities of Guinobatan and Camalig in Albay province. Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (Apsemo) chief Oscar Robert Cristobal on Tuesday said that assistance from national and regional government agencies has also been arriving to address the widespread impact of the ashfall.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) immediately provided food packs, while the provincial governments of Sorsogon and Masbate sent water trucks, lorry trucks, filtration machines, and food packs to the affected communities. Cristobal emphasized the need for sustained support due to the extensive damage caused by the ashfall.

Cristobal expressed gratitude for the swift response from various national agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). He also acknowledged the President's swift action and mentioned that Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon was present, ensuring the DSWD's rapid response.

Sorsogon province contributed significantly by delivering 5,000 food packs to the barangays of Bubulusan, Do±a Tomasa, Inascan, Masarawag, Muladbucad Grande, Muladbucad Peque±o, and San Jose in Guinobatan. In addition, they deployed water trucks, a water filtration machine, and fire trucks from BFP-Sorsogon for flushing operations.

The Masbate provincial government reinforced efforts by sending personnel equipped with specialized resources, including water lorries and desalination units, to provide clean, potable water to evacuation centers. Similarly, Camarines Sur deployed three lorry trucks to supply clean water to the affected residents.

Uniformed personnel from the PNP, BFP, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Philippine Army were deployed to assist the communities. The PNP provided rapid on-the-ground assistance, while the PCG deployed a water desalination and purification unit. BFP continued flushing operations in the ashfall-hit areas.

The Philippine Red Cross actively participated by fielding RC143 volunteers in Camalig, Guinobatan, Legazpi City, and Daraga to provide real-time documentation and situational updates. They also distributed 2,000 N95 face masks to protect affected residents from the ashfall.