‘Alert Level 3 up over Mayon’

By Ernie Delgado

LEGAZPI CITY --- Alert Level 3 has been raised over the Philippines’ most active volcano due to an active eruption and lava flow, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported Tuesday afternoon (Jan. 6).

Phivolcs said that Mayon Volcano is showing early signs of an eruption, including a lava dome formation at its summit, indicating potential lava flow.

Since Mayon’s alert level rose from 1 to 2 on New Year’s Day, rockfall events increased significantly, totaling 346 this week and four volcanic earthquakes, the agency said.

Phivolcs said these rockfalls usually last between one and five minutes and have been sending lava debris flying within a kilometer of the volcano’s southern slopes.

There has been an increase in rockfall volume, especially at night when the glowing lava suggests new lava is emerging from the crater, indicating dome growth, it added.

Phivolcs said pyroclastic density currents, fast-moving flows of hot gas and volcanic material, started forming today from the newly flowing lava’s collapse, lasting about three minutes and traveling within two kilometers of the summit.

Phivolcs said this means that there may be explosive activity in the coming days or weeks.

“It is therefore recommended that (people living in) the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone be evacuated due to the danger of pyroclastic density currents, lava flows, rockfalls and other volcanic hazards,” the agency said.

Communities surrounding Mayon should stay alert for dangerous events like fast-moving flows of hot gases and debris, mudflows, and streams of muddy water coming down from the volcano, the agency said.

Air traffic control should also remind pilots to steer clear of flying near the top of the volcano, as ash from an unexpected eruption can be very dangerous for planes, it added.

“Based on the current prevailing wind pattern, ash fall events may most likely occur on the south side of the volcano,” Phivolcs said. (PIA Bicol)