Mayon Volcano Alert Level Reduced to 2

MANILA, Philippines — State seismologists have lowered the alert status of Mayon Volcano in Albay from Level 3 to 2, or moderate level of unrest. The downgrade was based on the volcano’s day-to-day conditions, which showed a general decline in unrest since July 23, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. However, Phivolcs said the lowering of the alert status does not mean that Mayon has stopped being restive as pressure is still building at the volcano’s edifice and sulfur dioxide emission remains high. Entry into the six-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone remains prohibited due to the possibility of sudden minor or phreatic eruptions, pyroclastic flows, rockfalls and landslides. Noting the large amount of volcanic materials deposited on the slopes of the volcano following a recent eruption, state volcanologists said that heavy to intense rainfall could generate lahar and sediment-laden stream flows along channels draining the Mi-isi, Bonga and Basud gullies. Communities and local government units situated along these channels have been advised to be vigilant and ready for evacuation during heavy or intense rainfall. Pilots have been told to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from any sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft. Among the reduced parameters observed in Mayon were seismic activities, volcanic degassing, ground deformation and microgravity.