MANILA — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Monday warned of sustained volcanic hazards as Mayon Volcano remains restive under Alert Level 3, with recent eruptive activity sending ash plumes up to 3,000 meters high and triggering dangerous pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) that reached up to five kilometers from the summit.
Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said the ongoing activity continues to pose serious risks to communities, including ashfall, lava flows, rockfalls, and PDCs, prompting authorities to maintain strict restrictions in high-risk zones.
“Mayon Volcano at Alert Level 3 poses risks for ash fall, rock falls, lava effusion at pyroclastic density currents (PDCs). Stay calm but alert,” Bacolcol said in a televised interview.
He reiterated that entry into the six-kilometer permanent danger zone is strictly prohibited and urged residents to follow safety advisories, particularly in areas affected by ashfall.
Bacolcol also called on local government units to sustain precautionary measures and be prepared to carry out evacuations if conditions worsen.
Recent activity included a strombolian eruption over the weekend, which generated ash plumes reaching up to 3,000 meters high and spreading as far as 15 to 18 kilometers from the summit. Several areas in Albay, including Camalig, Guinobatan, and Ligao City, reported ashfall.
“The event lasted for over four hours and PDCs reached up to five kilometers from the summit,” Bacolcol said.
He added that the volcano remains in an effusive state, with ongoing lava flows and intermittent PDCs.
“This effusive eruption continues up to now. There are lava flows, rock falls, and at times, collapse-generated PDCs,” he said.
In the past 24 hours alone, Phivolcs has recorded multiple volcanic events, including earthquakes, rockfalls, and PDCs.
Bacolcol emphasized that while the recent eruption was not classified as explosive, it still poses serious danger.
He also noted that Phivolcs continues to monitor key indicators such as lava activity, eruption frequency, and sulfur dioxide emissions before deciding on any change in alert level./PN
