Mayon spews ash in phreatic eruption; no sign of major event

Mayon Volcano in Albay spewed ashes in a phreatic eruption early Thursday morning, but there was no threat of major volcanic activity coming.

GMA News' Bam Alegre reported on Super Radyo dzBB's "Dobol B sa News TV" that the volcanic activity happened at 8:25 a.m.

Mayon's latest activity was a phreatic one, or caused by the heating up of water under the crater of the volcano, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhiVolcs) resident volcanologist Ed Laguerta told "Dobol B sa News TV."

He said that Alert Level 2 is still up for Mayon, and hikers are not allowed to trek to areas near the crater.

Ayon kay Ed Laguerta, Resident Volcanologist ng @phivolcs_dost sa Albay, bahagyang nagbuga ng abo ang Bulkang Mayon ngayong umaga. pic.twitter.com/SaYVT5cL1g

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) December 27, 2018

Laguerta said that Mayon's spewing of ashes has stopped and another explosive event is unlikely.

"Patuloy nating mino-monitor ang sitwasyon ng Mayon, lalo na kung may sulfur dioxide emission at kung may pamamaga ng bunganga ng bulkan," Laguerta said.

But so far, indications that may hint the welling up of magma were not observed on Mayon, he said.

Also, he said there was no threat that would necessitate the evacuation of residents.

Last January, thousands of residents around Mayon spent their New Year in evacuation centers. But this is unlikely to happen this coming New Year, Laguerta  said. —LBG, GMA News