Mayon's largest pyroclastic flow recorded on February 9; ashfall hits Albay towns
The largest pyroclastic density current from Mayon Volcano traveled four kilometers down the Mi-isi Gully on Monday, Feb. 9, triggering a one-kilometer-tall ash plume and ashfall in Camalig and Guinobatan, Albay. (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology)
The largest pyroclastic density current, locally known as “uson,” from Mayon Volcano was recorded on Monday, Feb. 9 at 10:35 a.m., traveling about four kilometers down the Mi-isi Gully, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.
The event is ongoing as of posting.
The PDC triggered a one-kilometer-tall brown ash plume that drifted southwest, causing ashfall over several barangays in Camalig and Guinobatan, Albay.
Phivolcs said Mayon remains under Alert Level 3, indicating intensified magmatic unrest and the potential for hazardous eruptions.
Alert Level 3 has been in effect since Jan. 6.
The agency reiterated that entry into the six-kilometer permanent danger zone is strictly prohibited, while residents in the extended danger zone should exercise heightened vigilance.
Phivolcs also warned that even light ashfall may pose health risks, reduce visibility on roads, and disrupt aircraft operations.
Other volcanic hazards include lava flows, rockfalls, landslides or avalanches, ballistic fragments, lava fountaining, moderate explosions, pyroclastic density currents, and lahars during heavy or prolonged rainfall.