Nearly 200,000 people affected by Philippine volcano ash

Key Points:

• Nearly 200,000 people across 124 villages in the northeastern Philippines were affected by heavy ashfall from Mayon volcano, with over 5,400 residents evacuating due to pyroclastic flows caused by collapsing lava deposits.
• Although there was no explosive eruption, a sudden pyroclastic flow from the volcano's southwestern slope scattered thick ash clouds, reducing visibility and disrupting daily activities, especially in Albay province.
• No casualties were reported, but the ashfall damaged vegetable farms and killed livestock, prompting ongoing cleanup efforts and the establishment of emergency shelters in nearby towns and cities.
• Authorities have provided protective gear and food packs to evacuees and emphasized the need for well-ventilated evacuation centers amid hot weather conditions.
• Mayon volcano remains on alert level 3, indicating moderate activity with potential hazards, as it continues to be closely monitored due to its history of eruptions and status as one of the Philippines' most active volcanoes.