Albay: The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs) has recorded the largest pyroclastic density current (PDC) of the year from Mayon Volcano, leading to significant ashfall affecting 32 barangays in Camalig and Guinobatan.

According to Philippines News Agency, Phivolcs Supervising Science Research Specialist, Paul Alanis, reported in a recent interview that despite the substantial PDC, there are no current indications to elevate the alert level from Alert Level 3. Alanis explained that they are monitoring various parameters, including volcanic earthquakes, low-frequency earthquakes, volcanic tremors, and sulfur dioxide emission rates, which could suggest an increased level of unrest.

Alanis emphasized that while the current PDC is the largest for this year, more severe flows were recorded last year. Since Mayon Volcano entered a magmatic eruption phase on January 6, 2026, its activity has been characterized by non-explosive lava effusion, leading to lava flows, rockfalls, and pyroclastic density currents.

These volcanic activities have impacted drainage systems on the volcano's southern to eastern slopes, specifically the Mi-isi, Bonga, and Basud Gullies, which are within the 6-km permanent danger zone. As of February 8, lava flows have reached distances of 1.3 km, 1.6 km, and 3.8 km on the respective gullies, with rockfall and PDC runouts remaining within 3 km of the summit crater.

On February 9, the largest PDC recorded at 10:59 a.m. lasted seven minutes, producing ash clouds over 2 km high. This flow traveled 4 km from the crater along the Mi-isi Gully, marking the farthest runout this year. From January 1 to February 9, Phivolcs documented 1,690 PDCs, 9,941 rockfalls, and 1,346 volcanic earthquakes, with sulfur dioxide emissions peaking at 6,569 tonnes per day on February 4, indicating rising magma beneath the volcano.