Mayon Volcano in Albay province, Philippines, has erupted violently again, spewing ash and plumes of smoke spreading throughout the Bicol region. A "lava flow" phenomenon has occurred, with molten lava descending the slopes. Authorities have issued a level 3 alert.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported updates on the eruption of Mayon Volcano, the most powerful volcano in the country, stating that the alert level remains at level 3 after detecting intensifying geological activity continuously over the past 24 hours.
Observations show lava flowing down Basud Gorge for a distance of 3.8 kilometers and down Bonga Gorge for 3.2 kilometers. Additionally, intermittent lava fountains and pyroclastic flows—hot rock fragments and toxic gases—have been rushing down the slopes, especially in the Permanent Danger Zone.
The latest eruption has caused heavy ashfall covering many areas southwest of the volcano, particularly in the municipalities of Camalig and Guinobatan, leading to reduced visibility and darkened skies in several locations.
Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police, issued an urgent directive Sunday morning to mobilize all personnel and resources to assist Albay residents, focusing on evacuating people from danger zones and distributing essential supplies, especially face masks to protect respiratory health from volcanic ash.
Scientific data indicate the monitoring network detected 32 volcanic earthquakes and 284 rockfall events. Sulfur dioxide gas levels reached as high as 1,586 tons per day, while the volcano’s edifice shows slight swelling in the northeast sector, signaling increased underground magma movement.
Mayon Volcano stands 2,462 meters tall and is one of the Philippines’ most famous tourist attractions due to its perfectly symmetrical cone shape. However, it is also the most dangerous among the country’s 24 active volcanoes. Its 1814 eruption claimed around 1,200 lives. This year’s eruption has forced thousands of residents to abandon their homes for safety.
.sourcephilstar/Manila Bulletin