Philippines: Mayon volcano alert raised to Level 3 January 14 /update 2

Event

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the alert level for Mayon volcano (Albay province) from Alert Level 2 to a critical Alert Level 3 (on a scale from 0 [lowest threat] to 5 [highest threat]) at 20:00 (local time) on Sunday, January 14, amid the volcano's ongoing eruptive phase. According to PHIVOLCS, the volcano is exhibiting high unrest, with three phreatic (steam-driven) eruptions and 158 rockfall events recorded at the volcano between 16:21 and 19:25 on Sunday; a bright glow is reportedly visible within the crater, and lava has begun to flow toward the southern slopes of the volcano.

Philippine authorities have encouraged individuals to evacuate areas within a 6 km (3.7 mi) radius of the volcano crater (and within a 7 km [4.4 mi] radius of the crater on the southern flank of the volcano) due to the risks of rockfalls, landslides, and volcanic flows. Over 4000 people have reportedly evacuated from the affected areas since the eruptions began on Saturday, January 13, and 1000 families had been moved to emergency shelters as of Sunday.

Civil aviation authorities have been advised to avoid flying near the volcano crater due to the risk of sudden eruption. According to PHIVOLCS, a hazardous eruption is possible at Mayon volcano in the coming days and weeks; significant transportation disruptions are expected if such an eruption occurs. Due to prevailing wind patterns, ash is expected to fall on the southwestern side of the volcano in the event of additional ash eruptions.

Context

Mayon volcano is located in Albay province (Bicol region) on the island of Luzon. According to local sources, the volcano began its current eruptive cycle on January 13, belching ash into the air and onto nearby villages. Mayon volcano last erupted in 2014 and prompted thousands of people to evacuate adjacent areas.

Advice

Individuals present in or intending to travel to the affected area are advised to monitor the situation and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders). In the event of an eruption, it is advisable to wear respiratory masks and to wear covering clothing to protect skin from abrasive ash.