Mayon Volcano stays under Alert Level 3 after ‘moderately explosive eruption’

MANILA — Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3 days after its moderate explosive eruption, as Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology is continuing to monitor volcanic activity and warning the public to stay away from the permanent danger zone. 

PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol said the volcano has not produced another explosive eruption since the October 30 event, although signs of continued unrest persist. 

Following the eruption, PHIVOLCS observed ash emission activity on October 31 at around 7:15 a.m., with the plume reaching only about 200 meters above the crater. Over the past 24 hours, the agency also recorded 14 volcanic earthquakes and seven rockfall events.

“So far, again, hindi na nasundan muna yung moderately explosive eruption ng October 30,” Bacolcol said.

(So far, there have been no new eruptions since the moderately explosive eruption on October 30.)

Despite the absence of a new eruption, authorities are maintaining Alert Level 3 over Mayon.

Bacolcol explained that based on PHIVOLCS’ analysis, the October 30 eruption may have been triggered by the blockage of the volcano’s conduit, preventing volcanic gases from escaping.

The buildup of pressure eventually resulted in an explosive release, a process that he said was similar to what had been observed in previous volcanic events.

Unlike other eruptions where sulfur dioxide emissions gradually decline over several days before an explosive event, Bacolcol noted that the changes in Mayon’s activity occurred rapidly.

Because of this, he urged residents and tourists to strictly avoid the six-kilometer permanent danger zone.

“Anything could happen,” he warned.

Bacolcol emphasized that even when a volcano is under a lower alert status, entry into the permanent danger zone is discouraged because of the risks posed by sudden volcanic activity, rockfalls, and other hazards.

While intermittent rains continue to affect parts of Albay, Bacolcol said rainfall would not influence the volcanic processes occurring beneath the volcano.

He warned, however, that prolonged and heavy rains could trigger lahar flows along river channels that originate from Mayon.

Bacolcol also confirmed that ashfall was reported in areas affected by the October 30 eruption. However, the more recent ash emission observed on October 31 was relatively weak, with the ash plume reaching only 200 meters above the summit crater.

Authorities continue to closely monitor Mayon’s condition as they urge communities near the volcano to remain vigilant and comply with safety restrictions.