PHIVOLCS: Hot springs in Manito, Albay not caused by Mayon

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on Wednesday clarified speculations that the milky, hot water streaming along a creek in Barangay Balabagon, Manito, Albay is not related to the ongoing unrest at Mayon Volcano.

According to Oscar Oida’s report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday, residents reported the flow of steam and a sulfuric fumes from the creek, which, they said, was an unusual occurrence.

“For the longest time that we’ve been here, this is the first time we’ve seen the water turn milky. They said it smells like sulfur. I’m worried about the health of my constituents,” said barangay captain Jose Larry Dawan.

PHIVOLCS clarified that the phenomenon is likely caused by a hot spring, possibly linked to an extinct volcano in the area.

“Regarding these kinds of phenomena, sometimes the river turns white because of hot springs discharging into it,” said DOST supervising science research specialist Paul Alanis.

“Actually, there is an inactive volcano there called the DOL Hills, which is already extinct. However, there may still be residual heat from underground. In fact, there are plans to utilize the area for geothermal power,” he added.

PHIVOLCS said the milky color and sulfuric stench could be due to related minerals present in the water.

Hot springs in Barangay Nagotgot were also observed to be boiling more vigorously, the agency noted.

PHIVOLCS advised the public against drinking from or bathing in such bodies of water.

“When you bathe in these waters, it could cause skin irritation,” Alanis said.

Authorities have since secured the hot spring areas to discourage tourists from visiting them.

Meanwhile, PHIVOLCS said it continues to monitor sulfur dioxide and other volcanic gas emissions around Mayon Volcano, as these measurements help determine volcanic activity and the possibility of an eruption.

“Sometimes, when sulfur dioxide levels are high, it means a lot of magma is rising—it’s a matter of proportionality. If it suddenly spikes, that is anomalous and may indicate that the volcano is ‘open,’ allowing lava to ascend more quickly,” Alanis explained.

PHIVOLCS also warned that exposure to high concentrations of sulfur dioxide may cause dizziness, dry mouth, and lung irritation.—Vince Angelo Ferreras/MCG, GMA Integrated News