Phivolcs: 'Hazardous' Mayon eruption possible in coming days

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned that a hazardous eruption of Mayon Volcano in Albay is possible within weeks or even days as it raised the alert status level to Level 3.

In a bulletin issued 8 pm Sunday, Phivolcs said that Mayon Volcano has “noticeably increased its unrest.”

It noted that the volcano’s crater is exhibiting bright glow, signifying “the growth of a new lava dome and beginnings of lava flow toward the southern slopes” after three phreatic or steam-driven eruptions and 158 rockfall events between 4:21 pm Saturday to 7:25 pm Sunday.

“Mayon is exhibiting relatively high unrest and that magma is at the crater and that hazardous eruption is possible within weeks or even days,” Philvolcs said.

Mayon Volcano raising to Alert Level 3 pic.twitter.com/3RJMj8TZRR

— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) January 14, 2018

The volcanology institute suggested that the 6-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone and a 7-km Extended Danger Zone on the southern flank should be enforced due to dangers of rockfalls, landslides and sudden explosions.

“Increased vigilance against pyroclastic density currents, lahars and sediment-laden streamflows along channels draining the edifice is also advised,” it added, noting that ash fall events may most likely occur on the southwest side of the volcano.

According to reports, nearly 1,000 families have been moved to emergency shelters since the volcano started spewing steam and ash on Saturday.

On May 7, 2013, the volcano suddenly spewed ash, killing five climbers.