Relief ops intensified amid Bulusan unrest

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said its local office in the Bicol Region is intensifying relief operations for families affected by the eruption of Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon province.

In a statement released Tuesday, the OCD said it is closely monitoring the situation and has assured that all necessary support will be extended to affected communities.

“In support of the provincial government’s request, OCD Bicol has prepared a stockpile of 880 boxes of masks, totaling 44,000 pieces, along with 2,000 hygiene kits, ready for distribution to evacuees,” it said.

According to the OCD, the Bicol provincial government has specifically requested 1,500 hygiene kits and 10,000 masks to help maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of illness among displaced residents.

Meanwhile, OCD Region V Director Claudio Yucot assured that the agency is fully equipped to provide these essential non-food items and additional assistance as needed.

In addition, the Sorsogon provincial government has requested support for conducting aerial surveys to evaluate the extent of damage caused by the ashfall.

“In response, Director Yucot facilitated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to secure an air asset for aerial reconnaissance, which will help officials better understand the scope of the impact and coordinate relief efforts more effectively,” the OCD noted in its statement.

Yucot, who also chairs the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Bicol, visited several affected municipalities in Sorsogon to assess the situation on the ground.

Initial response

During his visit, he met with local officials and the Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to review initial response efforts and identify pressing needs. He also inspected the evacuation center in Juban town to check on the condition of displaced residents and ensure they were receiving proper support.

According to the OCD’s latest report, the eruption has affected approximately 14,830 families — or about 74,209 individuals — with 19 families (61 individuals) currently sheltering in two evacuation centers.

Relief operations are ongoing, with regular advisories and close coordination between local government units and disaster response agencies to maintain an effective and timely response.

Prepositioned supplies ready for immediate deployment include 888 N95 masks valued at over P1.2 million and 2,000 hygiene kits worth around P3.5 million.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fire Protection is carrying out road flushing operations to remove ash from major thoroughfares. The Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has also activated its Emergency Operations Center and is coordinating with local disaster response teams to monitor the situation and address emerging needs.

The Department of Health has raised a code white alert, underscoring the need to uphold health and safety protocols for affected communities.