LEGAZPI CITY, Albay — The provincial government of Sorsogon extended assistance to residents affected by heavy ashfall in Guinobatan, Albay on Monday, May 4, delivering thousands of food packs and deploying additional resources to address urgent needs.

According to Sorsogon Provincial Information Officer Dong Mendoza, a total of 5,000 family food packs were distributed to communities heavily impacted by ashfall from Mayon Volcano.

One-thousand, five-hundred twenty-two were delivered to Barangay Masarawag; 737 to Muladbucad Pequeño; 858 to Muladbucad Grande; 510 to Doña Tomasa; 522 to Bubulusan; 346 to San Jose, and 497 to Inascan.

“We directly delivered the relief goods to the barangays identified by Mayor Ann Gemma Ongjoco. The 5,000 food packs were distributed exactly according to the list provided by the LGU,” Mendoza said.

In addition to food assistance, the provincial government also sent water filtration facilities and water lorries to help address the growing water shortage in the municipality.

Local officials acknowledged that water supply in Guinobatan has been insufficient due to several factors, including reduced water levels at sources caused by volcanic activity, increased water usage for clearing operations, and damage to parts of the water system.

Joy Maravillas, head of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), said Sorsogon deployed fire trucks to assist in clearing operations in affected barangays.

Maravillas reported that more than 98,000 individuals have been affected by the continued unrest of Mayon Volcano, with all 44 barangays in Guinobatan experiencing heavy ashfall.

“The most affected are the urban areas of Guinobatan. From Masarawag upward, the impact is severe, especially in areas closer to the volcano. The concentration of ashfall stretches from the boundary of Camalig to the boundary of Ligao City,” she said.

Water rationing measures are now being implemented to cope with the shortage, with augmentation support coming from other regions as well as nearby areas within Albay.

Despite challenges, authorities are working to manage the situation.

Maravillas said two cases of difficulty in breathing have been recorded due to ash inhalation. “Based on our records and initial response, we have documented two cases of difficulty of breathing,” she said.

She added that while the situation remains difficult, response has been bolstered by the collective efforts of government agencies, private individuals, organizations, and local officials assisting affected communities.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as relief and rehabilitation efforts intensify in the ashfall-hit municipality.