It’s been two weeks since the Mayon eruptions started and the volcano is still showing signs of unrest. At an interview with CNN Philippines, Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara said that the local government’s funds for evacuees are running out.
The number of evacuees has now risen to 74,224 and many of the affected individuals are from the vulnerable sectors of society.
Operation Blessing met plenty of elderly people during relief distribution at Caguiba National High School.
One of them was Elena Biyong, 67 years old and a mother of two. Nay Elena, as she is fondly called, shared that the volcanic ashes triggered her asthma. She was exposed to plenty of ashes since their home in Brgy. 3 is made up of nipa.
Nay Elena is no tenderfoot when it comes to evacuating. She shares that she has been experiencing evacuation life since high school, all due to the Mayon eruptions.
Nay Elena lives alone most of the time. Her eldest son, Rizalde, who works as a security guard in Legazpi City, comes home bi-weekly to check up on her. Nay Elena raised her sons alone and has been a widow for 35 years.
“Dak’lung Tabang,” (A big help) she says. “Ilang araw din naming makakakain na hindi kami bibili,” (At least for a few days we’ll be able to eat and we wouldn’t need to buy food) Nay Elena said as she expressed thanks to those who extended their help for evacuees like her.
Operation Blessing continues its disaster relief efforts in Albay. As of today, we were able to give out relief packs to 744 families in Camalig. We still have plenty of families and communities to reach, especially now that the local government of Albay is running out of resources.
Your help is needed. We are still accepting cash donations for Disaster Relief Mayon. Kindly go to http://www.staging2.obphil.com/home/disaster-response-programs/
or contact us at +632 477-7802 to 08 to learn more.
