Mayon volcano (Philippines): massive pyrocastic flow from summit

The strong pyroclastic flow from the summit crater created abundant phoenix clouds (image: @volcaholic1x.com)

A strong pyroclastic flow occurred from the summit crater on 2 May.

The most likely reason for this flow was the sudden accumulation and destabilization of the upper summit crater area, which in turn developed into a very dangerous pyroclastic flow. The block-and-ash flow generated ash-rich plumes separating from the pyroclastic density current known as phoenix clouds.

Light-to-moderate ash fall has been reported in several villages within a close radius of the volcano.