Mount Mayon volcano in the Philippines has erupted, spewing columns of ash and volcanic material. Authorities have raised the alert level and ordered the evacuation of residents within a six-kilometer radius. Several towns in the Bicol region woke up covered in a grayish layer, affecting visibility and air quality.
Drones and seismic sensors monitor the volcano's activity 🌋
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology uses a network of seismic sensors and drones equipped with thermal cameras to monitor lava flow and ash emission. These devices allow measuring crater deformation and fumarole temperature in real time. Data is transmitted to a control center, where predictive models assess the likelihood of a major explosive eruption.
Volcanic dust: the new low-cost facial scrub 💁♀️
While farmers see their crops ruined and tourists cancel their selfies, the more optimistic point out that ash is an excellent natural fertilizer. Of course, no one seems to care that the soil pH will spike or that breathing this free fertilizer has consequences. Perhaps the next step will be to sell packs of Mayon ash as a limited edition facial scrub.