Phivolcs raises Mayon Volcano alert to Level 2

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Sunday raised the alert on Albay's Mayon Volcano from Level 1 (abnormal) to Level 2 (increasing unrest).

This meant that the unrest at the volcano was likely of magmatic origin, making further phreatic (steam-driven) eruptions or magmatic eruptions a danger.

A phreatic eruption that lasted an hour and 47 minutes was recorded at the volcano on Saturday afternoon, which prompted the evacuation of several barangays surrounding Mayon.

Given the seriousness of the situation, the Phivolcs "strongly advised" the public against entering the six-kilometer danger zone around Mayon.

Furthermore any ash-fall events were likely to affect communities on the western and southwestern sides of Mayon, and the use of damp but clean cloths or dust masks to cover mouths and noses was recommended in such events.

The Phivolcs also recommended that civil aviation authorities advise pilots against flying close to Mayon's summit.

A phreatic eruption was was last recorded at Mayon on May 2013. — DVM, GMA News