The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded 27 volcanic earthquakes at Mayon Volcano in the past 24 hours, maintaining the volcano at Alert Level 3.

In its latest bulletin issued on Friday, PHIVOLCS said the volcano in Albay province remains under high levels of unrest.

Seismic and Surface Activity

Aside from the 27 volcanic earthquakes, PHIVOLCS detected eight volcanic tremors and 297 rockfall events during the monitoring period.

The agency also recorded two pyroclastic density current signals, indicating continued movement of hot gas and volcanic material down the slopes.

Lava effusion continues from the summit crater, with lava flows advancing along three major gullies, PHIVOLCS reported.

Episodic Strombolian Activity

PHIVOLCS noted episodic minor strombolian eruptions, characterized by low-level explosive activity at the crater.

These eruptions produced lava fountains that reached up to 200 meters above the crater rim, according to the agency's observation.

The lava flows on the Bonga, Miisi, and Basud gullies have extended to about 1.5 kilometers from the summit.

Alert Level 3 Remains in Effect

PHIVOLCS said the volcano will remain under Alert Level 3, which means a high level of volcanic unrest.

"The public is reminded that Mayon Volcano is still in a state of unrest, and the current alert level indicates that hazardous eruption is possible within weeks or even days," PHIVOLCS said in a statement.

The agency reiterated that the six-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone around the volcano remains off-limits to the public.

PHIVOLCS also warned of increased risks from rockfalls, landslides, and pyroclastic density currents should the activity escalate.

No Evacuations Ordered Yet

Albay provincial disaster officials said no new evacuations have been ordered as of Friday.

Authorities continue to monitor communities within the permanent danger zone, many of which have been evacuated in previous eruptions.

The Office of Civil Defense in Bicol has placed local government units on standby for possible preemptive evacuation if the unrest intensifies.

Background of Current Unrest

Mayon Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, has been exhibiting increased seismic and surface activity since early June 2023.

PHIVOLCS raised the alert level to Alert Level 3 on June 8, 2023, after a series of phreatic and magmatic eruptions began.

The volcano has since generated multiple lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, and ash plumes, with activity fluctuating over the past months.

According to PHIVOLCS records, the current episode of unrest is the longest since the 2018 eruption, which lasted several months and affected thousands of residents.

Aviation and Public Safety

PHIVOLCS advised pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit due to the risk of ash clouds and ballistic projectiles.

The agency said ash emissions could pose hazards to aircraft engines and navigation systems.

Local government units have been instructed to prepare face masks and other protective gear for communities downwind of the volcano.

Seismic Network and Monitoring

PHIVOLCS operates a network of 14 seismic stations around Mayon Volcano, providing continuous monitoring of volcanic earthquakes and tremors.

The agency said the number of volcanic earthquakes has slightly increased compared to previous weeks, although the overall activity remains within Alert Level 3 parameters.

Scientists from the agency are conducting regular field inspections and gas measurements to assess the volcano’s magma supply and behavior.

Advice to Local Communities

PHIVOLCS urged residents in affected areas to stay informed through official bulletins and avoid spreading unverified information.

The agency said communities along river channels on the volcano’s slopes should be alert for possible lahar flows, especially during heavy rains.

Local officials have been coordinating with PHIVOLCS to update contingency plans and evacuation routes.

Mayon Volcano’s seismic activity will continue to be closely monitored, and the public is advised to remain vigilant while the alert level remains elevated.