FT Chronicle

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines— Mayon Volcano erupted, causing ash fall in Albay, says Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) early Wednesday.

“The explosion, which occurred at around 1:58 a.m., is a clear sign of magma intrusion toward the summit crater of the volcano,” said Alex Baloloy, PHIVOLCS science research analyst.

The height of the ash pillar was not recorded for clouds blocked the volcano’s view and since it is still dark when the explosion occurred. He added that because of the prevailing northeast monsoon, the ash fall drifted toward the southwest and northwest towns of the volcano.

The explosion, which lasted for about three minutes, was accompanied by rumbling sounds. Another ash discharge was recorded at around 7:02 a.m. with ashes as high as 300 meters from the crater drifting in the same direction of the first ash explosion early morning.

Residents in the towns of Camalig, Guinobatan, Polangui, Oas, and Ligao City reported experiencing the ash fall.

Mayon Volcano remains at Alert Level 2, a status which means a possibility of magmatic flow. Albay Governor Joey Salceda immediately put heightened alert the disaster officials through the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office especially in the six-kilometer permanent danger zones around the volcano and the seven-kilometer extended danger zone in the southeast quadrant of the volcano.

“The volcano has exhibited already two ash explosions since early morning today and it is possible that more explosions and even slight to stronger explosions could occur anytime. That is why we are closely monitoring the volcano,” Baloloy said.

PHIVOLCS has recorded Mayon’s ash spewing last September 15 and October 28 this year. In history, Mayon Volcano, considered as the most active one in the country, has erupted 50 times since 1616. Its worst eruption buried Cagsawa town and killed 1,200 people in 1814.

News from Inquirer.net

Photo not actual eruption