Mayon quiets down; 1 quake in 2 weeks

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — Only one volcanic earthquake was recorded in Mayon Volcano in the past two weeks, records from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Lignon Hill monitoring station in this city showed.

Phivolcs said a faint crater glow was observed in the past three days, but there was no significant increase in the volcano’s abnormal signs.

Paul Alanis, Phivolcs resident volcanologist at the Lignon Hill observatory, said monitoring of the volcano continues as it has a history of erupting despite a drop in seismic activity.

“The public is reminded that entry into the six-kilometer permanent danger zone must be strictly avoided due to an increase in the chance of sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruption as well as perennial hazards of rockfalls, avalanches and ash bursts at the summit area that may occur without warning,” the agency said.

It said people living near valleys and active river channels should remain vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahar during prolonged and heavy rain.