Mayon still under Alert Level 3

THE Mayon Volcano in Albay Province remains restless, with intensified rockfalls and lava emissions, the state seismology agency reported on Sunday.

In a bulletin, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said that the volcano has continued to emit lava, with a visible crater glow.

The agency has also logged 256 rockfall events and 41 pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) or “uson” in the past 24 hours.

It also warned of possible hazards, including landslides or avalanches, ballistic fragments, lava flows and lava fountaining, moderate-sized explosions, and potential lahar flow during heavy and prolonged rainfall.

The agency added that the volcano continues to emit moderate ash plumes seen reaching 200 meters high. The ash column was reportedly drifting in a northeast direction.

It also reported that the volcano has been emitting 777 metric tons of sulfur dioxide flux a day since Jan. 10.

Phivolcs said that Alert Level 3 remains in effect over the volcano, warning of potential increased lava flows, rockfalls, pyroclastic density currents, and ash emissions.

The seismology agency has warned the public not to enter the six-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone and the Extended Danger Zone without vigilance.

It had also prohibited flying of any aircraft close to the volcano. — Adrian H. Halili