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Alert Level 4 raised over Mayon Volcano; hazardous explosion possible in hours, days


Alert Level 4 was raised over Mayon Volcano on Monday afternoon following magma eruptions.

"'Yung nangyari kanina, may maputing usok 'di ba... nandito at may kulay na konti. So most likely nga, phreatum magmatic at dahil nga basa ito, makikita niyong mabigat siya, gugulong siya pababa. Ito 'yung tinatawag natin na pyroclastic density current," Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) director Renato Solidum said in a press conference. 

"Kapag nagtaas tayo ng alert level, ito'y batay na rin sa nakikita nating kondisyon ng bulkan at dahil na rin nga magmula kagabi hanggang kanina, bago mag-ala-una ay may mga pagsabog, mga mahihina pero dahil sa 'di pa masyadong maitim pa 'yan... ine-expect namin ang posibleng pagkakaroon pa ng mga pagsabog," Solidum added. 

Following the volcano's recent activity, Solidum warned that it could also result in  hazardous eruptions. 

"Kung matatandaan niyo sa mga briefing namin dito sa Manila, pati na rin sa Albay, dalawa ang ating sinasabi. Una, magpapatuloy ang lava eruption na paminsan-minsa'y lava fountaining or posibleng mag-transform ito sa mapanganib na eruption," Solidum said. 

"Posibleng hindi 'yon ang ipakita ng bulkan at magpapatuloy uli sa pagbibigay ng lava flow. Kung sakali ang susunod na batch ng magma ay 'di maraming gas o 'di kaya 'di nahaluan ng tubig," he added. 

Solidum said the ashfall has reached the area of Polangui, Albay. 

He also warned against the danger brought by the lahar flow. 

"Kahit walang eruption, 'pag masyadong malakas ang ulan, pwedeng magka-landslide," Solidum said. 

"As always kapag nagkakaroon ng aktibidad sa Bulkang Mayon, aside from the eruption danger, andiyan 'yung lahar danger," Solidum said. 

Paul Alanis of PHIVOLCS earlier said Alert Level 4 means a hazardous explosion by the volcano may happen in a matter of hours or days.

Alanis said the lava released by the eruptions since Sunday night remained confined within the six-kilometer radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) of the volcano.

He said PHIVOLCS officials will discuss whether there is a need to expand the PDZ.

The PDZ had been expanded to seven kilometers after the alert level was raised to 3 earlier this month.

In its website, PHIVOLCS said Alert Level 4 means Mayon Volcano is in a state of intense unrest.

According to a report on Super Radyo dzBB, the alert level was raised following a vulcanian eruption by the volcano.

The eruption produced a 10-kilometer high ash column.

On Sunday night, PHIVOLCS recorded a lava eruption and more lava collapses from the volcano.

At least 30,000 people living within and near the seven-kilometer expanded PDZ have already been evacuated to safer areas.

Residents from the barangays within the eight-kilometer radius from the crater of Mayon Volcano were also forced to evacuate. 

"Pinalawak po namin ang danger zone dahil ito po 'yung usually ito 'yung ine-estimate namin na aabutin ng pyroclastic flow. So ito po 'yung six kilometers at may lagpas pa sa iba," Solidum said. 

"Nagkaroon tayo ng eight kilometers. Ito po 'yung eight kilometers. Ito pong lagpas diyan, iyon po 'yung matindi nang explosion," Solidum added. 

 —With a report from Anna Felicia Bajo/ALG/KG, GMA News

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