OMM Newsroom
The Philippines raised the alert level for Mayon Volcano to 3 on Friday after a “moderately explosive” eruption, urging people to evacuate from within a 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) radius.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said the eruption prompted the increase, according to Anadolu Agency.
Mayon sent a “dense, rapidly ascending and billowing ash plume” 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) above its summit crater, PHIVOLCS said. Moderate winds carried the plume west-southwest, and ashfall was expected in Daraga, Guinobatan and adjacent municipalities in Albay.
PHIVOLCS said a Level 3 alert is issued during “sustained increases in the levels of volcanic earthquakes” and “forceful and voluminous steam/ash ejections.”
“This means that Mayon is in a new phase of magmatic eruption, with increased chances of lava flows … in the immediate days to weeks,” the institute said.
It warned of danger from lava flows, rockfalls and other volcanic hazards.
Mayon Volcano, also known as Mount Mayon, is an active stratovolcano in Albay province in the Bicol region, which encompasses the southern part of Luzon Island and nearby island provinces.
