PHIVOLCS raises Mayon Volcano’s alert level to 3

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has raised the alert status of Mayon Volcano from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 3.

"For the past 24 hours, Mayon Volcano in Albay province has noticeably increased its unrest. After three phreatic eruptions and 158 rockfall events between 4:21 p.m. (January 13) and 7:25 p.m. (January 14), Mayon's summit crater is now exhibiting bright crater glow that signifies the growth of a new lava dome and beginnings of lava flow towards the southern slopes," PHIVOLCS said in an advisory on Sunday.

"In view thereof, PHIVOLCS-DOST is now raising the alert status of Mayon Volcano from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 3," the agency said.

Mayon Volcano raising to Alert Level 3 pic.twitter.com/3RJMj8TZRR

— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) January 14, 2018

PHIVOLCS also warned of "hazardous eruption" within weeks or days as Mayon Volcano has exhibited "high unrest" and its magma is at the crater.

Under Alert Level 3, the extension of danger zone in the sector where the crater rim is low will be considered.

LOOK: Mayon Volcano alert levels explained

In an earlier report, Albay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office head Cedric Daep said once the alert level was raised, residents in the cities of Ligao, Tabaco Malilipot, Sto. Domingo and Legazpi will be forced to evacuate. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BM, GMA News