PHIVOLCS raises Mayon Volcano's alert status

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) over the weekend raised the alert status of the Mayon Volcano after observing an increased level of activity. 

In an advisory released Sunday, PHIVOLCS placed the Mayon Volcano under Alert Level 1 or Low-Level Unrest from Alert Level 0 or Normal, as it exhibits “abnormal conditions.”

The raised alert level comes after observations from global positioning systems (GPS), precise leveling (PL), and electronic tilt and electronic distance meter (EDM) monitoring.

“These observation parameters indicate that volcanic gas-induced pressurization at the shallow depths of the edifice may be occurring, causing the summit dome of Mayon to be pushed out,” the advisory read.

MAYON VOLCANO BULLETIN
21 August 2022
4:00 PM

This serves as a notice of raising the status of Mayon Volcano from Alert Level 0 (Normal) to Alert Level 1 (Low-Level Unrest). #MayonVolcanohttps://t.co/5THuwewhVv pic.twitter.com/DO0oac2qUk

— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) August 21, 2022

Under Alert Level 1, the public is urged to avoid entering the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) due to higher chances of sudden stream-driven or phreatic eruption.

Likewise, the PHIVOLCS warned of risks such as rockfalls, avalanches, and ash bursts at the summit area, which may happen without warning.

It also cautioned residents of nearby valleys and active river channels to remain vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars should there be heavy rainfall. —LBG, GMA News