Mayon continues ash emission, triggers pyroclastic density current anew

MANILA, Philippines – Mayon Volcano in Albay continued emitting ash and volcanic materials on Thursday, triggering pyroclastic density current (PDC), locally known as “uson” anew, state volcanologists said.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), footage captured a collapse-fed PDC descending through the Mi-isi Gully on the volcano’s southwestern slopes at around 8:39 a.m.

PDCs are fast-moving flows of hot volcanic gas, ash, and rock fragments that descend the slopes of a volcano during an eruptive activity.

Phivolcs’ latest 24-hour observation bulletin showed continuing lava effusion in the Basud and Mi-isi gullies, extending approximately 3.2 kilometers and 1.6 kilometers, respectively.

This was accompanied by episodic minor eruptions and ongoing ash emission.

In the last 24 hours, the volcano also generated 10 volcanic earthquakes, including six volcanic tremors lasting from two to 34 minutes, as well as 297 rockfall events.

Ashfall was also reported to blanket parts of Albay, affecting an estimated 8,544 hectares as volcanic activity persisted.

Phivolcs reiterated that Alert Level 3 remains in effect over Mayon Volcano, signifying increased or magmatic unrest.

“Entry into the 6-km Permanent Danger Zone should be prohibited,” Phivolcs stressed. /gsg /atm