Phivolcs warns against activity near 3 volcanoes

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has warned against any activity near the Taal, Mayon and Bulusan volcanoes as rockfalls and ash explosions may occur due to bad weather.

In its 8:00 a.m. bulletin, Phivolcs said that while Taal volcano was still on alert level 2, magma could be seen rising towards the surface as shown by the continuing high emission rate of carbon dioxide being released in the main crater lake and sustained seismic activity.

Phivolcs advised the public to stay away from the main crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro, as sudden hazardous steam driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate, which are lethal to humans and animals.

Phivolcs reiterated that the entire volcano island remains a permanent danger zone.
On the other hand, Mayon volcano and Bulusan volcano are under alert level 1.

But Philvocs said in the same bulletin that while no eruption was imminent in Mayon, the public should not enter the 6-kilometer radius permanent danger zone due to the continuing threat from sudden small explosions and rockfalls from the upper and middle slopes of the volcano.

“Active stream/river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone areas in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall,” Phivolcs said.

In Bulusan, the public is prohibited from entering the 4-kilometer radius permanent danger zone because the area was at risk to sudden steam and ash explosions.

Phivolcs also reminded its residents in the northwest and southwest sectors to take precautions against the ashfall.

It also called on civil aviation authorities to warn pilots against flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash and volcanic fragments ejected from sudden explosions may be hazardous to the aircraft.

“If possible aircraft should avoid flying on the western side of the volcano as volcanic debris are likely to be carried in this direction by the prevailing winds,” Phivolcs said.