Lava, pyroclastic flows detected at Mayon Volcano

MANILA, Philippines — State volcanologists yesterday detected a collapse of lava deposits on the summit crater of Mayon Volcano in Albay, which generated incandescent lava flows and pyroclastic density currents.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said that rocks, lava and pyroclastic materials cascaded down the Mi-isi and Bonga gullies from 4:49 to 4:55 a.m.

Mayon has been under Alert Level 3 or “increased tendency toward hazardous eruption” since Jan. 6.

Entry into the six-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone of the volcano is prohibited due to possible sudden magmatic or phreatic eruptions, landslides and rockfalls.

Airmen have been advised to avoid flying close to the summit crater as ash emitted by the volcano can be hazardous to aircraft.