Mayon continues lava activity, says Phivolcs

Mayon Volcano continued to eject lava and trigger volcanic flows Tuesday, prompting aviation authorities to extend flight restrictions and social welfare officials to ramp up aid for displaced families.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported 63 pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) — fast-moving mixtures of gas and volcanic debris — and 206 rockfall events on Monday alone.

Total activity has now reached 1,270 rockfall events and 429 PDCs.

Ma. Antonia Bornas, chief of the Phivolcs Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division, said a brief lava fountain erupted Tuesday morning. She described the event as a single burst of volcanic gas at the crater surface.

Despite the activity, Bornas said there are currently no signs of a highly explosive eruption similar to those in 2000 and 2001. She noted that such an event would typically be preceded by a significant increase in volcanic earthquakes.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines extended a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) through Wednesday morning, advising pilots to avoid flying near the volcano’s summit due to the risk of ash and debris.

As the volcano remains under Alert Level 3, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided more than P7.8 million in humanitarian aid.

The agency, in coordination with the Philippine Army and Coast Guard, has established a “tent city” in Malilipot, Albay, to house evacuees.

“Our directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Secretary Rex Gatchalian is to ensure no one is left behind and that help continues as long as it is needed,” said DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao.

In addition to food packs and water, the DSWD is operating mobile kitchens to provide hot meals and mobile water stations to ensure a supply of potable water. Relief teams remain on the ground to monitor the conditions of families in evacuation centers.