Philippines records 256 rockfalls as lava continues at Mayon Volcano

ISTNABUL

State volcanologists of the Philippines recorded 256 rockfall events at Mayon Volcano as ongoing lava activity continued, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Sunday.

Phivolcs reported that the volcano also generated 41 pyroclastic density currents, while sulfur dioxide emissions reached 777 metric tons per day on Saturday, according to local media outlet Philstar.

Ground deformation data further showed that Mayon remains swollen or inflated, indicating sustained volcanic unrest.

The agency said moderate steam plumes rose up to 200 meters (656 feet) from the summit and drifted toward the northeast.

Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, which has been in effect since Jan. 6.

Authorities continue to strictly prohibit entry into the Permanent Danger Zone due to the persistent threat of rockfalls, avalanches, and possible explosions.

Mayon has erupted more than 50 times over the past 500 years. Thousands of people were displaced following its eruption in 2018.

Meanwhile, the death toll from a landfill collapse in the Philippines rose to six on Sunday, as authorities continued search efforts for dozens of trapped workers.

Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak, chairperson of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said two more bodies had been recovered, while 30 others remain missing, local media outlet Inquirer reported.

Rescue teams are still battling heavy rain, hazardous debris, and the risk of methane gas as they search for those believed to be trapped under the rubble.

The private landfill facility collapsed at around 4.17 pm (0817GMT) in Cebu City, Central Visayas region on Thursday.