Mayon Volcano spews out ash, but alert level remains at 2

GRAYISH-WHITE volcanic ash were observed spewing out of Mayon Volcano on Thursday morning, Dec. 27, generated by two phreatic eruptions, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). In its 10 a.m. update, Phivolcs said the eruptions were observed at 8:17 a.m. and 8:28 a.m. “Prior to these events, Mayon Volcano’s seismic monitoring network recorded one (1) volcanic earthquake during the 24-hour observation period. Fair crater glow from the summit could be observed at night,” the agency said. Despite the volcanic events, Phivolcs said the prevailing alert level 2 will be maintained, which means “that Mayon is at a moderate level of unrest.” Under a level 2 warning, “sudden explosions, lava collapses, pyroclastic density currents or PDCs and ashfall can still occur and threaten areas in the upper to middle slopes of Mayon.” Entry into the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and precautionary seven-kilometer-radius Extended Danger Zone is strictly prohibited. “Active stream/river channels and those identified as perennially lahar-prone areas on all sectors of the volcano should also be avoided especially during extreme weather conditions when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall,” Phivolcs said in its advisory.