Philippines: Mayon volcano alert level raised January 14 /update 1

Event

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) had raised the alert level for Mayon volcano (Albay province) to Alert Level 2 (on a scale from 0 to 5) as of 15:30 (local time) on Sunday, January 14, amid the volcano's ongoing eruptive phase. The new alert level means that the current activity is "probably of magmatic origin, which could lead to more phreatic eruptions or eventually to hazardous magmatic eruptions." Alert Level 3 is considered a critical warning.

A phreatic (or steam-blast) eruption began at roughly 11:43 on Sunday and continued for approximately 15 minutes, spewing ash into the air. Volcanic activity on Saturday led local authorities to evacuate all villages within a 6 km (3.7 mi) radius of the volcano; people located outside the radius but on the surrounding volcanic slopes have since been advised to take precautions against roof collapses from falling ash and rainfall. Additional eruptions are possible in the coming hours and days.

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. Mayon volcano last erupted in 2014 and consequently 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.​