LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Even as an eruption was unlikely in the next few days, the Albay provincial government alerted residents living near the Mayon Volcano to take the necessary precautions.

The provincial public safety office has been coordinating with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), since it issued alert level 1 last Sunday, said Albay Governor Joey Salceda.

Phivolcs raised the alert on Mayon after it observed abnormal conditions, including its glowing crater, which is visible at night.

The public should stay away from the volcano’s six-kilometer radius, which has been declared a permanent danger zone, due to threats of sudden explosion and rock fall from the slopes, Phivolcs said.

Phivolcs also warned that active river channels and those areas around the volcano perennially identified as “lahar” prone should be avoided during heavy and prolonged rainfall.

Earthquakes around Mayon have also increased, from 87 during the period from June 22 to 29, to 110 from June 9 to July 5, Phivolcs said.

A moderate steaming activity with no specific tonnage of sulfur dioxide emissions was also observed, it said.

Volcanologist Eduardo Laguerta maintained his warning against mountaineering activities within the permanent danger zone and urged vigilance among farmers who till lands within the extended danger zone.