The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has so far distributed P16.2 million worth of humanitarian assistance, including family food packs, to over 4,000 individuals affected by the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano in Albay.

As of Jan. 23, DSWD has a quick response fund totaling P3.04 billion to support disaster-affected communities.

Mayon’s heightened activity has displaced 1,132 families, or 4,105 individuals.

Of these, 1,115 families, or 4,054 people, remain in 12 temporary evacuation centers across Bicol, while 17 families, or 51 individuals, are staying with relatives or friends.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that Mayon continued to exhibit lava dome growth and effusion from 12 a.m. on Jan. 23 to 12 a.m. on Jan. 24.

It also recorded 261 rockfall events and 29 pyroclastic density currents, locally known as “uson.”

Phivolcs noted a fair crater glow, while sulfur dioxide emissions reached 6,110 tons on Jan. 23.

The volcanic plume drifted southwest with moderate emission.

Mayon remains under Alert Level 3, indicating that hazardous eruptions are possible.

Phivolcs reminded residents that entry into the six-kilometer permanent danger zone is strictly prohibited, while those venturing into the extended danger zone should exercise heightened vigilance.

The agency also warned that even light ashfall can pose health risks, reduce visibility on roads, and prevent aircraft from flying near the volcano.

Volcanic hazards include rockfalls, landslides or avalanches, lava flows, ballistic fragments, lava fountaining, moderate-sized explosions, pyroclastic density currents, and lahars during periods of heavy or prolonged rainfall.