Phivolcs lowers Mayon Volcano status to Alert Level 1

Manila, Philippines – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has lowered the alert status of Mayon Volcano to Level 1 or low level of unrest from Level 2, moderate level of unrest.

In a bulletin issued Thursday the volcano monitoring agency said the alert status of Mayon in Albay province was downgraded due to the continued decline in its monitored parameters.

Since the start of the year, Mayon Volcano has exhibited a steady decline in its monitored parameters.

The lowering of the alert status of Mayon means the likelihood of an eruption occurring within the immediate future has weakened.

Aside from this, Phivolcs said that the volcanic earthquake activity has declined to a daily average of zero to one. Volcanic earthquake is typically attributed to rock fracturing beneath the edifice and occasional rockfall.

Also, the sulfur gas (SO2) output measured at 312 tonnes per day is likewise considerably below the background level of 500 tonnes per day.

Crater glow associated with superheated gas escaping the summit vent has been faint and only visible through the aid of a telescope.

“The observation of stable summit conditions are consistent with the absence of magma re-supply to the shallow levels of the edifice,” the bulletin said.

But the public is still reminded to avoid entry into the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) due to the perennial hazard of rockfall, avalanche, ash puff, and sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruption at the summit area.

Furthermore, people living in valleys and active river channels are also cautioned by Phivolcs to remain vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of prolonged and heavy rainfall brought about by the advent of the rainy season.