LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – The mayor of Camalig town in Albay province has issued a public advisory after residents experienced thick ashfall on Monday morning, Feb. 9, due to ongoing volcanic activity at Mayon Volcano.

Mayor Carlos Irwin “Caloy” Baldo urged the public to wear face masks and remain indoors as ash continues to fall in parts of the municipality.

The local government distributed face masks to the public to help reduce health risks such as eye irritation and respiratory problems.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said a large pyroclastic density current (PDC), locally known as “uson,” occurred at around 10:35 a.m.

The volcanic flow traveled up to four kilometers from the summit through the Mi-isi Gully.

The event produced a towering ash plume approximately one kilometer high, which drifted southwest and caused ashfall in several barangays in Camalig and Guinobatan, Albay.

Phivolcs continues to maintain Alert Level 3 over Mayon Volcano and strictly prohibits entry into the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone.

Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) chief Roderick Mendoza confirmed that ashfall was felt in Camalig and Guinobatan.

He said ashfall was caused by large rockfall from the volcano’s crater, not by a major explosive eruption.

“No evacuations have been reported so far,” Mendoza said.

Authorities continue to monitor Mayon Volcano closely and advise residents to remain alert, follow safety guidelines, and stay updated on official announcements.

Meanwhile, a 32-year-old man died after he was swept away by raging flood in Barangay Bigaa, Virac town, in Catanduanes province on Sunday, Feb. 8, triggered by heavy rains from the shear line.

Police said the victim attempted to cross a flooded section at the intersection of the diversion road leading to Barangay Hicming while riding his motorcycle on his way home.

He lost his balance due to strong flow of water and struck a hard object before he was carried away by the flood.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) retrieved the victim and was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead. His remains are currently at the hospital morgue.

Several areas in Catanduanes remain flooded due to heavy rainfall from the shear line. Other areas experienced landslides, making major roads impassable.

Classes were suspended in Bato, Pandan, Baras, Viga, Panganiban, Virac, Gigmoto, and Bagamanoc while work in Panganiban town has been suspended.

Gov. Patrick Azanza ordered the immediate evacuation of residents in high-risk and flood-prone areas.

“We are directing the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and local chief executives of affected municipalities on the island to conduct immediate evacuations of residents in danger zones due to flooding and potential landslides caused by continuous rainfall. Let us ensure everyone’s safety,” the governor said.