Mayon Volcano stays under Alert Level 3, Phivolcs says

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Friday said Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, more than two weeks after the status was raised.

In its latest bulletin, Phivolcs reported that Mayon recorded 293 volcanic earthquakes, 224 rockfall events, and 106 pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) within a 24-hour period, from midnight of 22 January to 12 a.m. of 23 January.

Moderate plume emissions were also observed, rising up to 100 meters above the crater and drifting northwest to west-northwest. Sulfur dioxide emissions reached 3,059 tons on Sunday, according to the agency.

Phivolcs said lava dome growth and lava effusion, accompanied by episodic minor strombolian activity, continued to be observed over the past 24 hours.

The agency recalled that it raised Mayon to Alert Level 3 on 6 January due to the onset of dome collapse that could generate PDCs, locally known as uson. Since 1 January, the volcano has recorded 346 rockfall events, while 599 rockfalls were logged from November to December last year.

More than two weeks after the alert was raised, Phivolcs said the status remains unchanged. Entry into the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone and entry without vigilance into the Extended Danger Zone remain strictly prohibited. The agency also warned against flying aircraft close to the volcano.

Phivolcs said Mayon continues to pose several hazards, including rockfalls, landslides or avalanches, ballistic fragments, lava flows and lava fountaining, PDCs, moderate-sized explosions, and possible lahars during heavy and prolonged rainfall.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that humanitarian assistance provided to 1,586 families, or 4,054 individuals, has now exceeded P14 million.

DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the agency is also extending assistance to farmers and fisherfolk affected by Mayon’s unrest.

“Meron tayong ipo-provide na financial assistance adapting the cash-for-work modality and we hope na makapag-umpisa na tayo before the end of January nang sa gayon 'yung pangangailangan nung mga naapektuhan na mga pamilya particularly farmers and fisherfolks na 'yung pamumuhay po nila o 'yung kanilang economic activities ay naapektuhan, would be assisted accordingly,” Dumlao said.