Mayon Volcano Alert Level Lowered by Phivolcs to Moderate Level of Unrest

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has lowered the alert level of the Mayon Volcano in Albay, Philippines from Alert Level 2 (moderate level of unrest) to Alert Level 1 (low level of unrest) on March 16, 2023. This decision was made after several months of unrest in the volcano, during which volcanic earthquakes have been declining, with an average of 0-1 event per day recorded since the first week of December 2022. The rock fracturing processes within the volcano were attributed to most of these earthquakes, occurring at depths of 6-10 kilometers beneath the eastern flanks. Rockfall from the summit dome occurred during intense rainfall periods rather than from extrusion of new dome lava at the crater.

Photo by Alexis Ricardo Alaurin: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-a-mayon-volcano-on-philippines-13374670/

Ground deformation results showed that the volcano has been deflating since July-August 2022. However, long-term data suggested that the current ground deformation behavior of Mayon is largely driven by tectonic processes, such as earthquake activity in the Bicol Region, rather than pressurization from volcanic sources. Continuous gas spectrometry indicated that sulfur dioxide emission flux from the crater varied between a high of 477 tons per day on December 8, 2022, and a low of 201 tons per day on March 2, 2023. Crater glow, or incandescence associated with superheated gas emitted from the summit crater, has remained weak and visible only with the aid of a telescope.

Although the likelihood of an eruption occurring within the immediate future has diminished, the public is still advised to avoid entry into the 6-km permanent danger zone due to the perennial hazards from rockfall, avalanche, ash puff, and sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruption at the summit area. Civil aviation authorities are also advised to inform pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano's summit as ash from any sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft. Lastly, people living in valleys and active river channels are cautioned to remain vigilant against sediment-laden streamflows and lahars in the event of prolonged and heavy rainfall brought about by the advent of the rainy season.

Phivolcs also emphasized that the lowered alert level does not mean that the volcano has become completely safe, and there is still a need for continued monitoring of Mayon's activity. The agency will continue to closely monitor the volcano and issue timely updates to the public and concerned authorities.

Mayon Volcano is an active volcano located in the Bicol Region of the Philippines. It has erupted over 50 times in the past 400 years, with its most recent major eruption occurring in 2018, which displaced thousands of people and caused significant damage to property and infrastructure in the area.

The Philippine government, through Phivolcs, has been implementing measures to mitigate the potential impact of Mayon's activity on the communities surrounding the volcano. The agency has been providing regular updates to the public, coordinating with local authorities to prepare evacuation plans, and conducting risk assessments to identify and address the potential hazards posed by the volcano.

The recent lowering of the alert level is welcome news for the affected communities, but it serves as a reminder that they must remain vigilant and prepared for any eventualities that may arise from the volcano's activity.

Reference link: Phivolcs lowers Mayon alert level (msn.com)