Philvocs Raises Alert Level 2 Over Mayon as Volcanic Activity Leading to a Possible Eruption Increases

10 July 2009

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvocs) has raised the alert level to 2 (moderate unrest) over Mayon Volcano as the pride of the Bicol region once again threatens to display its deadly eruptive power veiled under its majestic cone-shaped beauty.

Philvocs states in its latest bulletin that this heightened "alert condition signifies a state of unrest which could lead to ash explosions or eventually to hazardous magmatic eruption."

It also "strongly recommends that the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) around the volcano and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) on the southeast flank of the volcano are off-limits due to the threat from sudden explosions and rockfalls from the upper slopes.  Active river channels and those areas perenially identified as lahar prone in the southeast sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall."  

Below is the text of the latest Philvocs bulletin on Mayon Volcano:

Mayon Volcano Bulletin

RELEASED: 10 July 2009; 8:00 AM This is a notice for the raising of Mayon Volcano’s status from Alert Level 1 (low level  unrest) to Alert Level 2 (moderate unrest).  Beginning June 2009 monitored parameters indicated an increase in the current activity of Mayon Volcano. The number of recorded low frequency volcanic earthquakes rose to a higher level signifying possible movement of magma beneath the volcano edifice at shallow depth. The present seismic count is at the same level when a phreatic explosion occurred last August 2008. Ground uplift of about one centimeter was measured by Precise Leveling Survey conducted last June 15-22, 2009 and the uplift was sustained during a re-survey yesterday, July 9, 2009.  Glow at the summit crater has intensified and could now be observed at Lignon Hill Observatory without the aid of telescopes.  Steam emission was at moderate level. Aerial survey conducted last July 08, 2009, showed a cone-shaped pile of hot, steaming old  rocks, possibly remnants from previous eruptions which could be the source of the glow at the crater. The low frequency volcanic earthquakes and ground uplift could indicate that fresh volcanic materials are moving upward at depth, causing the formation of the cone-shaped pile of materials at the crater.  Because of the above observations, PHIVOLCS is now raising the Alert status of Mayon Volcano from Alert Level 1 to Alert Level 2. This alert condition signifies, a state of unrest which could lead to ash explosions or eventually to hazardous magmatic eruption. Thus, at Alert Level 2, PHIVOLCS strongly recommends that the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) around the volcano and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) on the southeast flank of the volcano are off-limits due to the threat from sudden explosions and rockfalls from the upper slopes. Active river channels and those areas perennially identified as lahar prone in the southeast sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. PHIVOLCS

More on this story in this flash report by Connie Sison courtesy of GMANews.tv:

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

This is an earlier Unang Hirit report by Rhea Santos also via GMANews.tv when the alert status was still at level 1 early this morning:

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

The provincial government of Albay led by Governor Joey Salceda has laid down evacuation plans including forced evacuation of residents especially within the 6-km Permanent Danger Zone.