Mayon ashfall damages crops, kills livestock in Albay

Farmers face losses as ash blankets provincial farmlands.

LOOK: Communities around Mayon Volcano are beginning to count their losses after ashfall blanketed farms and livestock areas, disrupting livelihoods in parts of Albay.

In the Municipality of Camalig, thick ash covered agricultural fields in barangays near the volcano, weighing down crops and causing vegetation to wither. Farmers reported that the sudden fallout has damaged and destroyed portions of their produce just as they were nearing harvest.

Livestock are also affected, with reports of at least five carabaos and two cows dying following prolonged exposure to ash.

The secondary threats

The Mayon situation raises concerns over income disruption for farming households that rely on daily harvest cycles. Ashfall can also contaminate water sources and grazing areas, making recovery more challenging in the coming weeks.

Local authorities have called for interventions such as cloud seeding to help clear ash from affected areas, as well as additional national government aid for farmers.

Volcanic activity can quickly lead to economic strain for agricultural communities, disrupting livelihoods and local food supplies.