Phivolcs 'strongly advises' vs. entering Mayon's 6-km danger zone

Citing the danger of more steam-driven explosions and rockfall, state volcanologists on Tuesday "strongly" advised the public not to enter Mayon Volcano's six-kilometer permanent danger zone. Phivolcs director Renato Solidum Jr. said Alert Level 0 remains in effect at the world-famous volcano as of Tuesday noon, meaning no eruption is imminent in the foreseeable future. "Ang main recommendation, it is strongly advised that the public refrain from entering the 6-km permanent danger zone due to the threat of sudden steam-driven explosions and rockfall," Solidum said at a news briefing, parts of which were aired on dzBB radio. He said the rockfall may come from the volcano's upper to middle slopes. In a separate interview on dzBB, Office of Civil Defense Region 5 head Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said evacuation may be necessary when Mayon's alert level reaches 3 or 4. "Pag 3 to 4 tayo mag-evacuate," he said. Mayon erupted at 8 a.m. Tuesday, with the phreatic event lasting about 73 seconds. Five hikers were reportedly killed. Phivolcs said gray to brown clouds reached 500 meters above the summit and drifted west-southwest, even as no volcanic earthquake was detected in the last 24 hours. No intensification of volcanic activity was also detected, it added. Under Alert Level 0, Phivolcs warns against entry to the 6-km radius permanent danger zone. Under Alert Level 3, or Critical, volcanic quakes may become more frequent and there is an increase in sulfur dioxide. Rockfalls may occur at the summit area, along with vigorous steaming and sustained crater glow. "Magma is close to the crater. If trend is one of increasing unrest, eruption is possible within weeks. Extension of danger zone in the sector where the crater rim is low will be considered," Phivolcs said. Under Alert Level 4, or Hazardous Eruption Imminent, tremors become persistent and many low-frequency quakes may occur, and the crater glow may become intense. "Hazardous eruption is possible within days. Extension of Danger Zone to 8 km or more in the sector where the crater rim is low may be recommended," it said. — KBK, GMA News