MANILA/LEGAZPI – Mayon Volcano continued to spew ashes until early Tuesday (Jan. 23) morning, and pyroclastic flows were seen racing down the side of the mountain.
Some lava fountaining activities were also recorded after Alert Level 4 status was raised, which means that hazardous eruption is imminent.
That is one level away from Level 5, which basically means that an eruption is ongoing.
Even until midnight, lava continued to flow from the crater of the volcano. Steam and molten rocks cascaded down Mayon’s perfect slopes for several minutes.
The provincial government of Albay has sought help from the national government, as the number of evacuees is expected to double this time after expanding the danger zone area.
Albay governor Francis Bichara estimated their funds could only last for two weeks.
Earlier on Monday, the danger zone around the crater was expanded to a radius of eight kilometers from the orginal 6 kilometers when mayon is at peace.
In places like the the town of Guinobatan, Albay the heavy ash fall has caused zero visibility.
The ash also covered moving cars and evacuation centers – prompting the provincial government to suspend classes in all levels in some towns of Albay until Tuesday: in Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, Ligao, Oas, Polangui, and Legazpi city. Flights to and from Naga and Legazpi cities were cancelled as authorities warned of the danger to planes posed by the volcanic debris.
Even operations at the Legazpi airport were paralyzed until further notice.
When experiencing ash fall, authorities advise Albayanos that it’s best to stay indoors — and to wear masks when leaving their homes.
Phivolcs is also advising residents to prepare for the worst possible scenario for Mount Mayon.
