Alert level 2 still up in Mayon Volcano; LGUs urged to review evacuation plans

Mayon Volcano. MARK ALVIC ESPLANA/INQUIRER SOUTHERN LUZON FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has maintained its Alert Level 2 warning for the Mayon Volcano in Albay as it continued to emit volcanic gas.

In an interview over Radyo Inquirer 990 AM on Monday, Phivolcs director Renato Solidum Jr said that no escalation deemed dangerous was recorded as of Monday.

The latest bulletin from Phivolcs released Monday stated that that the Mayon Volcano is “experiencing increased volcanic gas emission and slight but persistent swelling due to the intrusion of magma beneath.”

An Alert Level 2 warning means that that magma has most likely intruded and could eventually lead to a larger eruption.

Solidum, however, cautioned the public that the eruption will most likely be weeks or months after the emergence of a lava dome, as evidenced during the eruptions of Mayon in 2000 and 2006.

Solidum also urged the public to be vigilant and to stop entering the six kilometer permanent danger zone. He also directed local government units surrounding the volcano to review their evacuation plans in case of volcanic eruption.

The Alert Level 2 for Mayon Volcano was raised Friday after the emergence of a new lava dome around 30 to 50 meters at the volcano’s summit crater.

Mayon Volcano, the most active volcano in the country, last erupted in May last year when it spewed ash and rocks. This eruption killed five climbers.

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