Mayon emits pyroclastic materials anew

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MANILA, Philippines — Ashfall hit several areas in Albay yesterday after Mayon Volcano emitted a lava flow collapse-fed pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) or uson, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Phivolcs said the PDCs produced a plume that rose 4,000 meters and drifted southwest, causing ashfall in Camalig, Legazpi and Sto. Domingo.

State volcanologists said  they detected the PDCs at 11:22 a.m. along the southwestern slopes of the volcano.

PDCs are a mixture of hot ash, volcanic materials and rocks that cascade down the slopes when lava deposits on the mouth of the volcano collapse.

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 is strictly prohibited due to possible eruptions, rockfalls, landslides and lava flows.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Vice President has started a three-day relief operation for people displaced by Mayon.

The OVP disaster operations center is conducting humanitarian assistance in evacuation centers, in coordination with local government units.

Up to 70,150 families have been affected by the latest volcanic activity.

“The ongoing relief operation includes distribution of food packs, hygiene kits, blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, slippers, expandable water jugs and other essential items for families displaced by the volcano,” the OVP said.