Effusive eruption at Mayon enters 48th day; Alert Level 3 remains — PHIVOLCS

The effusive eruption of Mayon Volcano has entered its 48th consecutive day, with continued lava effusion and intermittent hazardous flows from the summit crater, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

Early on Sunday, PHIVOLCS released a time-lapse footage recorded at 11:14 p.m. on Feb. 21 and 12:02 a.m. on Feb. 22 showing active lava outpouring followed by collapse events at the crater.

These processes generated incandescent lava flows, pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) locally known as “uson,” and rockfalls along the volcano’s slopes, PHIVOLCS said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The agency said such activity indicates that magma continues to reach the surface, sustaining the ongoing eruption and posing threats to communities within the danger zone.

Alert Level 3 remains in effect over Mayon, signifying an increased tendency toward a hazardous eruption.

Authorities reiterated that entry into the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited due to the risks of sudden explosions, lava flows, PDCs, and falling debris.

Local government units and disaster response offices have been advised to maintain heightened preparedness for possible escalation of volcanic activity, while residents near the volcano are urged to remain vigilant and follow evacuation and safety directives.

PHIVOLCS said it continues to closely monitor Mayon for any significant changes in seismicity, ground deformation, gas emissions, and eruptive behavior.—MCG, GMA Integrated News