Legazpi city: Effusive eruption in Mayon Volcano continues but shorter pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) were observed on Thursday. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded lava flow collapse-fed PDC at the southwestern slopes (Mi-isi Gully) at around 8:39 a.m.

According to Philippines News Agency, Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol explained in an interview that the current activity aligns with the ongoing effusive eruption pattern. This involves sudden lava collapses and collapse-generated PDCs without a major explosive eruption. Bacolcol noted that the events on Thursday mirrored the volcano's activity on May 2, as both involved collapse-generated PDCs from accumulated lava materials on the upper slopes.

Bacolcol highlighted a significant difference between the recent activity and that of last Saturday. The previous incident involved a larger collapsed volume, with a runout extending about five kilometers, resulting in more noticeable ash emissions and ashfall. In contrast, the collapsed volume on Thursday was smaller, with the runout reaching only two kilometers along the Mi-isi Gully, leading to minimal ash emission.

Bacolcol emphasized the importance of strict avoidance of the six-kilometer permanent danger zone around the volcano. Meanwhile, Alert Level 3 remains in effect over Mayon Volcano, indicating a relatively high level of unrest.