Phivolcs raises Mt. Mayon alert status to level 2
by MA Loterte
Legazpi City (10 July) -- Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has raised today Mayon Volcano's alert status from Level 1 (low level unrest) to Level 2 (moderate unrest) after it manifested increasing volcanic quakes, swelling of its edifice and intense crater glow.
Phivolcs said parameters monitored since last month indicated an increase in the current activity of the volcano, manifesting low frequency volcanic earthquakes rising to a higher level signifying possible movement of magma beneath the volcano edifice at shallow depth.
The hoisting of Alert Level 2 signifies a state of unrest which could lead to ash explosions or eventually to hazardous magmatic eruption, the agency added.
Surveys show ground uplift of about one centimeter was measured by Precise Leveling Survey conducted last June 15-22, 2009 and the uplift was sustained during a re-survey yesterday, July 9, 2009.
Ed Laguerta, Phivolcs resident volcanologist, said aerial survey conducted last July 08, 2009, showed a cone-shaped pile of hot, steaming old rocks, possibly remnants from previous eruptions which could be the source of the glow at the crater.
Laguerta explained the low frequency volcanic earthquakes and ground uplift could indicate that fresh volcanic materials are moving upward at depth, causing the formation of the cone-shaped pile of materials at the crater.
As Phivolcs is now raising the alert status of Mayon Volcano, the institute strongly recommends that the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) around the volcano and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) on the southeast flank of the volcano are off-limits due to the threat from sudden explosions and rock falls from the upper slopes.
Phivolcs also advises that active river channels and those areas perennially identified as lahar prone in the southeast sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall.
Meanwhile, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda directed the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) to start updating the population at risk and critical resources data of cities and towns around the volcano.
This data would be the basis for determining the number of people to be placed in safer grounds when Mayon volcano condition goes on eruptive stage.
Salceda also directed city and town disaster councils around the volcano to be on 24-hour watch and to review their respective contingency plans and evaluate their communications and warning capacities. (PIA V) [top]
