Phivolcs observes pyroclastic flow from Mt. Mayon

By: Faye Orellana - 6 years ago

This photo taken on January 28, 2018 shows Mayon volcano spewing lava ash from its crater, as seen in Daraga town, south of Manila in Albay province. Authorities have imposed a no-go zone around the 2,460-metre (8,070-foot) mountain as they warned of a hazardous eruption within days, leaving more than 77,000 people stuck in crowded shelters, likely for months. / AFP PHOTO / Ted ALJIBE

This photo taken on January 28, 2018 shows Mayon volcano spewing lava ash from its crater, as seen in Daraga town, south of Manila in Albay province . FILE PHOTO

The Philippine Institute of Seismology and Volcanology (Phivolcs) recorded on Thursday afternoon a pyroclastic density current (PDC) caused by lava collapse at the Mayon volcano’s summit.

Phivolcs data showed that the PDC, which occurred at about 1:49 p.m., was heading towards Basud channel, which is located 5 kilometers from the peak.

PDC is a combination of steam, gas, lava, ash, and rocks, which rolls down from the top of the volcano.

However, Roberto Reblora, of the Mayon Observatory Office in Albay, noted that no lava fountaining or ash eruption happened prior the occurrence of the PDC.

The Phivolcs had recorded three ash eruptions on Thursday morning. /kga