4-7-2023 (MANILA) The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology issued a warning on Tuesday regarding the escalating seismic activities of the Mayon volcano, located approximately 500 km southeast of the Philippine capital.
Despite being at alert level 3, the volcano remains the most active in the Southeast Asian region, with a continuous series of weak volcanic earthquakes that have steadily increased in strength.
The institute expressed concerns about the heightened likelihood of a hazardous eruption and stated that it is closely monitoring the surge in seismic energy release.
The cone-shaped Mayon volcano, standing at 2,460 meters, began erupting on June 8, leading to the evacuation of thousands of residents living in its vicinity. Ash fall from the volcano has been reported in at least two nearby towns.
In light of the situation, the institute reiterated the importance of avoiding the permanent danger zone, which extends up to six kilometers from the volcano’s crater. Additionally, communities residing within a seven to eight-kilometer radius were advised to prepare for potential worsening of the current pyroclastic density activity.
The last major eruption of Mayon volcano occurred in 2018, resulting in the evacuation of over 23,000 individuals from nine cities and municipalities.
