As the lead disaster response agency, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to monitor the unrest of Mayon Volcano in Albay and its possible effects on nearby communities.

Based on 2 am update from the DSWD Field Office (FO) V, the number of displaced families affected by the impending eruption increased to 5,318 families or 21,823 individuals from 25 barangays in Albay.

From the given numbers, 4,134 families or 16,887 persons are currently staying in 18 evacuation centers while the rest are staying with relatives in the municipality of Daraga.

Meanwhile, the regional office has provided P124,605 worth of assistance to the local government of Malilipot and is awaiting the request of other local government units (LGUs) for augmentation support.

DSWD Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Emmanuel A. Leyco assures the public that the available resources of the Department is sufficient and can be immediately released if necessary.

The DSWD OIC also said that the Department’s Disaster Response Assistance and Management Bureau (DReAMB) is now on red alert status to monitor the situation in Albay.

Lastly, he said, “We reiterate our appeal to residents in the disaster areas to follow orders of local authorities for their own safety. ” ###