Photo credit: Albay PIO

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay — A major volcanic event at Mayon Volcano on Monday morning sent volcanic ash into nearby towns, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS‑DOST) reported.

At around 10:35 a.m., state volcanologists observed a large pyroclastic density current (PDC), locally called an “uson”, racing down the Mi‑isi Gully. The PDC produced an ash plume about 1,000 meters high, which drifted southwest, bringing ashfall to several barangays in Camalig and Guinobatan.

Mayon remains under Alert Level 3, signaling continued magmatic unrest with hazards such as lava flows, rockfalls, and recurring PDCs. PHIVOLCS warned residents to stay out of the 6‑kilometer Permanent Danger Zone and follow official instructions.

Residents in ash‑affected areas are advised to wear face masks to reduce respiratory irritation and follow guidance from disaster response agencies. Authorities continue to monitor the volcano closely and will issue further advisories as conditions evolve.