FT Chronicle

MANILA, Philippines – Due to the decreasing trend of Mayon’s volcanic activity in the past few days, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has lowered the alert level over Mayon Volcano from 4 to 3.

However, the agency still reminded the public that the lowering of the alert level “should not be interpreted that the unrest of the volcano has ceased. Alert Level 4 means a hazardous eruption is possible in days. Alert Level 3 means a hazardous eruption is possible in weeks.”

Also, they warned that the six-kilometer radius permanent danger zone around the volcano and the seven-kilometer extended danger zone on the southeast sector of the volcano should remain off-limits because of “sudden explosions that may generate hazardous volcanic flows.”

Phivolcs said it observed 13 volcanic earthquakes and 68 rock fall occurrences Friday, which were the separation of lava remains at the volcano’s upper slopes.

This was reflected by Phivolcs’ observations that included:

*No ash ejections since 29 December. “Steam emission was most of the time weak and white in color indicating considerable decrease in energy and absence of ash.”

*Majority of the type of earthquakes that were recorded during the past days were associated with rockfalls and rolling down of fragments from the lava deposits along Bonga gully and the advancing lava front.

*Measured sulfur dioxide (SO2) levels have also showed a decreasing trend from a maximum of 8,993 tons per day to 2,621 tons per day.

Based on Phivolcs’ observation, they lowered the alert status of Mayon from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3 which means that there is less probability of a hazardous explosive eruption.

On the other hand, “if there is resurgence in the volcano’s activity and the potential for explosive eruptions is perceived to be forthcoming, the alert level may be raised back to 4,” it said.

The agency also said that if there was a noticeable downward trend “in the monitored parameters, then the alert will be further lowered to Alert Level 2.”

Meanwhile, the Albay Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) has advised the decampment of evacuees living within the eight-kilometer danger zone.

But those living within the six-km permanent danger zone would have to remain in the evacuation centers, the PDCC said.

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