No volcanic quakes recorded in Mayon Volcano but Alert Level 2 remains

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on Saturday said no volcanic earthquake was detected in Mayon Volcano in Albay in the past 24 hours.

However, Alert Level 2 (Increased Unrest) remains in effect, PHIVOLCS said in its 8 a.m. bulletin.

"The public is reminded that there is current unrest driven by shallow magmatic processes that could eventually lead to phreatic eruptions or even precede hazardous magmatic eruption," it added.

The agency said the volcano had moderate emission of white steam-laden plumes in the past 24 hours. These plumes crept downslope then drifted west-southwest and westward.

On October 1, the volcano's sulfur dioxide emission was at 391 tons per day.

"Based on ground deformation parameters from EDM, Precise Leveling, electronic tilt, and continuous GPS monitoring, Mayon Volcano has been slightly inflated since 2020," PHIVOLCS said.

The public was reminded by PHIVOLCS that entry into the six-kilometer permanent danger zone is prohibited. This is to minimize risks from sudden explosions, rockfalls, and landslides.

"In case of ash fall events that may affect communities downwind of Mayon’s crater, people should cover their nose and mouth with damp, clean cloth, or dust mask," PHIVOLCS said.

Flying aircraft close to the volcano's summit is hazardous due to ash from any sudden eruption.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Albay, meanwhile, asked local DRRMCs to review their action plans once Alert Level 3 is raised by PHIVOLCS, such as real-time warning and information systems; evacuation plans by barangay; estimates on relief requirements; and emergency transportation plans.

"The concerned C/MDRRMOs and BDRRMCs are hereby ordered to be on alert status and sustain coordination with APSEMO (Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office) as well as conduct coordinating conferences with local DRRM council members and other local stakeholders," the PDRRMC said in an advisory issued on Saturday. 

PHIVOLCS raised the alert level status of Mayon Volcano from 1 to 2 on Friday due to an increasing level of unrest. 

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said on Friday he was working with state agencies and local government units to ensure readiness in light of the Mayon Volcano’s increasing unrest. 

Marcos said that he has been coordinating with agencies such as PHIVOLCS and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. —with Sherylin Untalan/KG/VBL, GMA News