Mayon Volcano’s alert level raised to 3 after eruption

LEGAZPI CITY — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Friday raised Mayon Volcano’s alert status from Level 2 to Level 3 following a moderately explosive eruption that sent an ash plume 3,000 meters above its summit.

The eruption occurred at 11:53 a.m. on Oct. 30, producing a dense, rapidly rising ash column that moderate winds blew west-southwest, Phivolcs said in its 12:30 p.m. bulletin.

Ashfall was expected in Daraga, Guinobatan and nearby municipalities in Albay.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: BREAKING: Mayon Volcano erupts, sends ash plume 3,000 meters high

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

By raising the volcano’s alert level, Phivolcs said it indicated a new phase of magmatic eruption, with the possibility of lava flows and hazardous pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), locally known as uson, affecting its upper to middle slopes in the coming days to weeks.

The agency recommended evacuating residents within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) due to the threat of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards.

It also warned of possible lahars and sediment-laden streamflows along waterways draining the volcano, particularly during heavy rains.

Civil aviation authorities were advised to warn pilots against flying close to Mayon’s summit because volcanic ash from sudden eruptions could endanger aircraft.

Article continues after this advertisement

Based on prevailing wind conditions, ashfall was most likely to affect communities south of the volcano, Phivolcs said.

The agency said it was closely monitoring Mayon and would inform concerned authorities and stakeholders of any further developments. /coa