PHIVOLCS lowers Mayon Volcano status to Alert Level 1

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) announced Friday the lowering of the alert status of Mayon Volcano from Level 2 or moderate to Level 1 or low level of unrest.

In a 9:30 a.m. bulletin, PHIVOLCS said there has been a continued decline in the monitored parameters of Mayon Volcano such as daily average of one earthquake activity in the past six months and relatively low level of sulfur dioxide emission.

“The overall low-level seismicity indicates that there is currently no active transport of eruptible magma to the shallow levels of the volcano,” it said.

It said likelihood of an eruption occurring within the immediate future has diminished.

LOOK: Lowering of Alert Status of Mayon Volcano from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 1#MayonVolcanohttps://t.co/HJx0bDBGA1 pic.twitter.com/t5G9ZSh5VT

— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) July 17, 2020

However, PHIVOLCS warned the lowering of the alert status does not mean the volcano’s unrest has ceased, considering that eruptible magma has already accumulated beneath the edifice.

It said if there will be a renewed increase in any one or combination of the monitoring parameters, the alert status may step up once again to Alert Level 2.

On the other hand, if there is a noticeable return to baseline levels of ground deformation and sustained low levels of other monitoring parameters, the Alert Level may further step down.

PHIVOLCS reminded the public that entry into the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is still not allowed due to perennial hazards of rockfall, avalanche, ash puff, and sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruption at the summit area.

It also cautioned people living in valleys and active river channels 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.

In March 2018, PHIVOLCS lowered Mayon Volcano's status from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2 following a "general decline in unrest."—AOL, GMA News