Mayon Volcano erupts with ash plume, PHIVOLCS warns of continued risk

Mayon Volcano in Albay erupted with a phreatic explosion at 6:16 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, releasing a light gray ash and steam plume approximately 200 meters high.

According to Phivolcs resident volcanologist Dr. Paul Alanis, the eruption was expected given Mayon's recent activity and unstable state following its last eruption in late June.

Miladee Azur from the city disaster risk reduction and management office advised residents to avoid entering the 6-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone due to the threat of another phreatic eruption.

Dr. Alanis noted that while ash reached within the Permanent Danger Zone, it did not extend beyond 2.5 miles from the volcano’s summit, posing no immediate threat to nearby communities.

The volcano remains at Alert Level 1 and PHIVOLCS advised residents to exercise caution and stay vigilant due to the current rainy weather conditions.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant as current measures are in place to ensure safety and monitor any further activity.