Nearly 1,500 families (approximately 3,000 individuals) are now residing in evacuation centers following volcanic activity at Mayon Volcano, according to the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development. The volcano is located in the northeastern province of Albay, south of Manila.
Volcanic Activity and Alert Level
On Tuesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the alert level for Mayon Volcano to 3 on its five-step scale. The escalation was based on the detection of "strombolian activity and short-lived lava fountaining," as well as intermittent rockfalls from the peak crater in recent days.
Authorities also reported observing pyroclastic flows, described as fast-moving avalanches of super-heated rock fragments, ash, and gas. Chief Volcanologist Teresito Bacolcol confirmed the current state of the volcano, noting that an alert level 5 on the scale signifies an ongoing major explosive eruption.
Disruptions and Safety Measures
Heavy ashfall blanketed several towns in Albay province on Saturday, disrupting local traffic, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
Authorities have advised the public to remain outside the six-kilometer radius danger zone surrounding the volcano. Warnings also include potential hazards such as landslides and lava flows.
"An alert level 5 on the scale signifies an ongoing major explosive eruption." — Chief Volcanologist Teresito Bacolcol
Background
Mayon Volcano is recognized as one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. It is frequently visited by tourists due to its near-perfect conical shape.