Alert raised after Friday’s eruption

The Philippines raised the alert status of Mayon Volcano from Level 2 to Level 3 on Friday after a moderately explosive eruption sent an ash plume 3,000 metres above the summit crater, the country’s volcanology institute said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said the eruption began at 11:53 a.m. on 30 October. Moderate winds carried the plume west-southwest. The institute said ashfall was expected in Daraga, Guinobatan and Camalig, as well as nearby municipalities in Albay province.

Level 3 indicates an increased tendency towards a hazardous eruption. PHIVOLCS said Mayon had entered a new phase of magmatic activity, raising the possibility of lava flows and pyroclastic density currents — fast-moving flows of hot gas, ash and volcanic material — in the coming days or weeks.

Six-kilometre danger zone

PHIVOLCS recommended evacuation of the six-kilometre Permanent Danger Zone around the volcano because of the risks from pyroclastic flows, lava, rockfalls and other hazards. It also urged vigilance around channels that drain the volcano, where lahars and sediment-laden flows can develop, and advised aviation authorities to warn pilots away from the summit.

The advisory is a risk assessment, not a prediction that a larger eruption is certain. The institute said it would continue monitoring Mayon and issue updates as conditions change. Residents and local authorities were told to follow official instructions and prepare for further developments.