LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – Clearing operations are underway following the eruption of Mount Bulusan in Sorsogon on Monday, April 28.

A TRICYCLE passes by a firetruck being used for clearing operations following the eruption of Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon on Monday. (FB)
Gremil Naz, Office of the Civil Defense (OCD)-Bicol spokesperson, said three municipalities were affected by ashfall from Bulusan – Juban, Irosin, and Magallanes.
Naz said an initial assessment is being conducted by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to determine the extent of damage from Bulusan.
He said that the number of affected families are still being determined by the local disaster risk reduction and management offices.
Dong Mendoza, Sorsogon public information officer, said thick ash covered the main highway of Barangays Bolos in Irosin and Buraburan in Juban.
The Bureau of Fire Protection is conducting clearing operations and expected to be completed by 3 p.m. Monday.
Sorsogon Gov. Boboy Hamor said face masks have been distributed to affected residents. Hamor reminded people, particularly senior citizens, to use them for their health.
Hamor said that the most affected municipality is Juban.
He added that Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Bicol personnel are in the area to provide initial relief to affected residents.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the alert level of Bulusan Volcano from zero (normal) to one or low-level unrest due to the eruption.