35 Mayon Volcano evacuees found with respiratory problems

At least 35 individuals in Albay who evacuated due to Mayon Volcano’s intensified unrest have reported experiencing respiratory problems, the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday.

DOH, however, clarified that these cases are “not verified as adverse effects” of the sulfur dioxide and ashfall emitted by the active volcano.

“As of June 13, there are reported 35 cases presenting with respiratory problems such as cough, colds and sore throat at the evacuation centers,” DOH said in a written response to a media query.

“We would like to assure the general public that the Department of Health is on the ground and continuously monitoring the affected population,” it added.

Mayon Volcano is currently under Alert Level 3 due to its “intensified unrest” or magmatic unrest. 

As of Wednesday, a total of 37,231 individuals or 9,571 families in 26 barangays in the Bicol Region have been affected by the volcano's activities, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Of them, 15,502 individuals or 4,417 families were temporarily staying in 22 evacuation centers, while 659 people or 185 families were seeking shelter outside of evacuation centers.—LDF, GMA Integrated News