ALBAY, Philippines — The scale of the recent volcanic activity in Albay has been brought into sharp focus by new satellite data. According to the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), the area blanketed by ashfall following Mayon Volcano’s latest eruptions has expanded to approximately 160 square kilometers—a footprint nearly equal to the total land area of Quezon City.
Space-based imagery captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite confirms that the gray veil of volcanic debris has settled heavily across multiple municipalities, posing significant health risks and disrupting local agriculture.
By comparing the satellite “before and after” shots, PhilSA researchers identified that the most concentrated ash deposits are currently affecting:
- Camalig and Guinobatan: These areas remain the hardest hit, with the thickest accumulation visible from space.
- Ligao City and Daraga: Significant portions of these localities are also showing high reflectance consistent with fresh volcanic ash.
- Agricultural Heartlands: Thousands of hectares of high-value crops, particularly vegetables and coconut trees, have been smothered, raising concerns over long-term food security in the province.
PhilSA’s analysis is proving critical for disaster response teams on the ground. By mapping the exact boundaries of the ashfall, the agency is helping the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and local government units (LGUs) prioritize:
- Water Safety: Identifying reservoirs and open water sources that may have been contaminated.
- Health Interventions: Deploying N95 masks and medical teams to the most heavily blanketed “hotspots.”
- Road Clearing: Pinpointing major transport arteries that require immediate cleaning to prevent road accidents caused by slippery, ash-covered asphalt.
Authorities continue to remind residents within the affected 160-square-kilometer zone to stay indoors whenever possible. The fine silicate particles in the ash can cause severe respiratory issues and skin irritation. If you must go outside, wear protective eyewear and high-filtration masks.
As Mayon remains under high alert, PhilSA and PHIVOLCS are working around the clock to provide real-time updates. The “Quezon City-sized” ash cloud is a stark reminder of the volcano’s power and the importance of modern technology in managing natural disasters.