TABACO CITY, Albay, Philippines — Families displaced by heightened volcanic activity at Mayon Volcano are grappling with difficulties in evacuation centers, even as authorities work to ensure their safety amid ongoing unrest.
Local officials have relocated hundreds of residents from communities within the six‑kilometer permanent danger zone after the volcano’s alert status was raised in response to increased rockfalls, pyroclastic flows and other warning signs.
Inside the temporary shelters, many evacuees said they are contending with overcrowded conditions, limited privacy and a shortage of basic facilities such as adequate cooking areas and toilets. Some families reported that available food supplies and relief items were not always enough to meet everyone’s needs, prompting calls for additional government and public support.
Government agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have stepped up relief efforts by sending thousands of food packs and modular tents to evacuation sites to ease the strain on displaced families. Officials said distribution of ready‑to‑eat food boxes and additional family food packs is ongoing to help sustain evacuees during their stay.
Despite these efforts, residents expressed concern about the uncertainty of their situation, especially as volcanic activity remains unstable. Some evacuees worry about their livelihoods, pets and agricultural lands left behind, and how long they may need to remain in shelters while monitoring of Mayon’s behavior continues.
Authorities continue to remind residents to follow evacuation orders and stay in safe zones to reduce risk, while disaster response teams coordinate to address gaps in shelter conditions and meet the evolving needs of affected communities.