By Alec Go
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised on Friday, Oct. 7, Mayon’s Alert Level 1 (abnormal) to Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest) with the current unrest possibly resulting in phreatic eruptions.
In its 3:00 p.m. bulletin, Phivolcs said there has been a continued aseismic growth of Mayon’s lava dome, the volume of which increased by approximately 48,000 cubic meters since August 20 as of Oct. 4.
The presence of newly extruded lava was also confirmed following an aerial survey and ocular inspection on Friday morning.
“In view thereof, DOST-PHIVOLCS is raising the Alert Level of Mayon Volcano from Alert Level 1 (abnormal) to Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest),” Phivolcs said.
“This means that there is current unrest driven by shallow magmatic processes that could eventually lead to phreatic eruptions or even precede hazardous magmatic eruption,” it added.
Phivolcs has advised the public to remain vigilant, avoid entering the six-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone, and to cover their mouth and nose with damp cloth or mask in case of ash fall. Flying close to Mayon’s summit is also prohibited.
Phivolcs said it will continue to monitor the situation of the volcano. Alert Level 1 was raised over Mayon last Aug. 21.
