8,544 hectares of Albay land areas hit by ashfall

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May 7, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 8,544 hectares of land areas in Albay have been affected by ashfall following the recent eruption of Mayon Volcano, based on satellite images mapping analysis by the Philippine Space Agency. PhilSA said the extent of areas blanketed by the volcanic ash is equivalent to about half the size of Quezon City.

The size of affected areas was determined by comparing satellite images taken before and after the May 2 eruption, the space agency said.

Using the Sentinel-2 imagery, PhilSA analyzed changes between April 28 and May 4 to identify areas where the ash had settled, and outlined the wider zone where ashfall likely spread.

Based on the mapping, ashfall events were concentrated in central and western parts of Albay, particularly in Camalig, Guinobatan and Ligao City, which lie along the path of volcanic materials flowing down the slopes of Mayon.

PhilSA said that cloud formation during satellite passes limited direct observation in some areas.

In such cases, scientists estimated the ashfall extent by examining nearby affected zones and using atmospheric models.

The space agency said the results are consistent with projections and reports from the ground, although it noted that the findings are subject to validation.

PhilSA said the information would help authorities including the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to prioritize response efforts.

The agency said it would continue monitoring the volcano using satellite data.

Meanwhile, President Marcos ordered the continued delivery of food and other essential items to residents  displaced by Mayon

Marcos issued the directive during a situation briefing at Malacañang before flying to Cebu for the ASEAN summit.

The briefing was attended by officials of government agencies including the Office of the Executive Secretary, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), Ofice of Civil Defense and Presidential Communications Office.

At a press briefing in Cebu, Presidential Communcations Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Department of Social Welfare and Development has distributed 93,373 food packs, 1,402 ready-to-eat food boxes and 7,364 non-food items to affected communities.

Clearing operations are ongoing in areas hit by ashfall and volcanic debris, Castro said, adding that the government is ensuring proper management and operation of evacuation centers.

The government has also deployed mobile clinics, Starlink units for communication connection and water purification systems in affected communities.

Magmatic  eruption seen in Kanlaon

Phivolcs is also closely monitoring Kanlaon Volcano in Negros as it warned of a possible magmatic eruption.

Ma. Antonia Bornas, chief of the Phivolcs’ volcano and eruption prediction division, said that Kanlaon has been exhibiting abnormal activity for an extended period, and pressure buildup could result in a full eruption.

A magmatic eruption is characterized by an explosive emission of tall ash-laden columns or massive collapses of summit lava dome along with fatal pyroclastic flows, surges and lateral blasts as well as widespread ashfall, Phivolcs said.

Bornas said that high monitoring parameters have been observed in Kanlaon since 2020, which led to the raising of Alert Level 2 in June 2024.

“Up to now, sulfur dioxide emissions have not decreased, and in recent days, gas emissions have continued to rise. This indicates the continuous release of volcanic gases from rising magma beneath the crater,” Bornas said.

Kanlaon Volcano had three moderately explosive eruptions between February and March this year, aside from a series of ash emission events.

With the prolonged unrest, Bornas said the occasional moderate explosive eruptions accompanied by ashfall at Kanlaon Volcano are a part of the ongoing process leading to a possible magmatic eruption. –  Helen Flores, Gilbert Bayoran, Bella Cariaso, Josiah Antonio, Emmanuel Tupas