Mayon Volcano boulders block road in Albay

Debris from Mayon Volcano occupy the road in Barangay Masarawag,
Guinobatan, Albay Sunday. INQUIRER PHOTO/MICHAEL B. JAUCIAN/INQUIRER SOUTHERN LUZON

GUINOBATAN, Albay, Philippines–Typhoon Ruby have brought down tons of volcanic debris from Mayon Volcano after hours of heavy rains experienced in Albay province.

Roads connecting to the town proper here and leading to a number of villages along the slope of Mayon like Maipon, Masarawag, Tandarora, Muladbucad Grande and Muladbucad Pequeno were rendered unpassable to all kinds of traffic after it was blocked by boulders as big as three to four feet in diameter.

The same stretch of road, about two kilometers long, was covered by about two-inch thick black sand and hundreds of pieces of gravel.

Among those who could not get through the road was Boy Omnes, 56, who was returning home to Masarawag after he delivered a small generator for the wake of a relative at the town proper.

Omnes, who was driving a motorcycle, said he had no choice but to take a circuitous route via the Sabloyon Road in Ligao City to enable him to get home.

Guinobatan Mayor Gemma Ann Ongjoco told the Inquirer in a text message that she ordered the closure of road for the safety of the motorists.

Albay Provicial Engineer Dante Baclao said his men were on standby and ready to clear the area as soon as the weather condition has improved.