Manila: A lava flow collapse-fed pyroclastic density current (PDC) was observed at Mayon Volcano from 2:28 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, but the chief of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) explained it was normal.

According to Philippines News Agency, Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol stated that the event was not significant, as the collapsed volume runout only reached 2,500 meters, and the ash plume generated was 1,500 meters high. Bacolcol emphasized that PDCs are common occurrences at Mayon Volcano, with Phivolcs documenting and observing these events since January 6.

Bacolcol highlighted that on January 22, a total of 106 PDCs were recorded in a single day. A similar event was observed on May 2, when collapse-generated PDCs from accumulated lava materials on the upper slopes resulted in more noticeable ash emission and ashfall, with the collapsed volume reaching around five kilometers.

Mayon Volcano can generate ash through the collapse of lava flow or lava dome, as well as through degassing and explosive eruptions. The volcano remains under Alert Level 3, and entry into the six-kilometer permanent danger zone is strictly prohibited.