Philippines – Mayon: Authorities warn of major eruption after volcanic eruption

Southeast of Manila Philippine authorities warn of major eruption after Mayon eruption

The Mayon volcano in the Philippines has erupted again. According to the authorities, there is now an even greater danger.

A 3,000 meter high ash cloud hangs over the Philippines: the Mayon volcano erupted on Friday. It is located in Albay Province, southeast of the capital Manila. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) spoke of a "moderately explosive eruption" that lasted almost six minutes. There were initially no reports of casualties or damage in the towns and communities surrounding the volcano.

Phivolcs raised the warning level and stressed in a statement that a dangerous major eruption could be imminent. According to authorities, a new phase of magmatic activity is imminent. In the coming days and weeks there is a risk of lava flows and pyroclastic flows - hot avalanches of gas, ash and rock that could particularly affect the upper and middle volcanic slopes.

The eruption occurred at 11:53 a.m. local time. According to the Phivolcs, the wind carried strong, rapidly rising ash clouds to the west and southwest. Ashfall is expected in the municipalities of Daraga and Guinobatan as well as in neighboring towns. Authorities are warning pilots not to fly near the crater. In the event of a sudden eruption, ash clouds could endanger aircraft.

Most recently, Mayon covered its surroundings with thick ash following an eruption in May. More than 50 villages around the Feuerberg were affected. The Mayon is 2462 meters high and regularly active.

The island state lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a volcanic belt that frames the Pacific on three sides. Earthquakes and eruptions occur frequently in the region: it is the most geologically active zone on earth. The most violent volcanic eruption in the Philippines in recent decades occurred at the Pinatubo volcano in 1991. More than 800 people were killed.