MANILA - State volcanologists have lowered the alert level of Mayon volcano from alert level 2 to alert level 1.
The level 2 alert, which means a hazardous eruption is less likely although the volcano is showing signs of moderate unrest, was lifted last January 13. Alert level 1 means no hazardous eruption is imminent.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology’s (Phivolcs) Tuesday bulletin showed four volcanic earthquakes per day, while earthquakes associated with the rising of magma have become rare. The crater glow has not intensified and steam emissions have also been weak.
The above observations suggest that Mayon volcano’s condition is improving and likely heading towards normalcy, according to Phivolcs.
The agency, however, warns the residents and tourists not to get near the volcano’s six-kilometer permanent danger zone “due to the continuing threat from sudden small explosions and rock falls from the upper and middle slopes of the volcano.”
Last January 1, Phivolcs lowered Mayon's warning level to alert level 3, prompting the Albay government to send majority of the evacuees home because an eruption is less imminent.
Phivolcs said that from December 28, a declining trend in the volcano’s activity was noted.
Prior to that, more than 47,000 people were evacuated from danger zones since the Phivolcs raised alert level 3 last December 14 and alert level 4 in December 20 due to the volcano’s restive activity. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)