By Ron San Pedro
MANILA — Ongoing volcanic unrest at Mayon Volcano continues to impact communities in Albay, with lava flows, ashfall, and seismic activity persisting, authorities said.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported lava advancing through multiple channels, reaching up to 3.8 kilometers in some areas. The volcano also showed mild explosive activity, including strombolian bursts and brief lava fountaining.
Monitoring data recorded 32 earthquakes and prolonged tremors, along with hundreds of rockfall events and several pyroclastic density currents within the danger zone.
Ash emissions blanketed parts of the province, particularly the southwestern sector, with plumes drifting toward the west-northwest.
Alert Level 3 remains enforced, signaling ongoing magmatic unrest. Authorities continue to prohibit access within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone and advised pilots to avoid flying near the volcano.
The Office of Civil Defense said 52 barangays have been affected by ashfall. Residents from towns like Camalig and Guinobatan reported ashfall following a volcanic event Saturday afternoon.
Evacuation centers remain occupied by residents from high-risk zones. Despite growing discomfort among evacuees, officials emphasized that returning home is not yet safe.
Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines reported canceled flights due to hazards posed by volcanic activity.
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