(UPDATE) Alert level raised to No.4 in Mayon Volcano, eruption “imminent”

January 22, 2018

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Monday raised the alert status of Mayon Volcano to level 4 after residents noticed magma eruptions.

Based on its latest bulletin, around 1pm Mayon Volcano showed increased seismic unrest, lava fountaining and summit explosions.

Phivolcs said Alert Level 4 means "hazadous eruption ( is) imminent" in Mayon Volcano.

In a tv interview, PHIVOLCS Director Renato Solidum said the eruption was a combination of magma and water.

"We might see a lava fountain in the next few hours," he added.

Solidum said they are not expecting continuous explosions but they need to make sure the public is away from the danger zone that is extended to an 8-kilometer radius from the summit vent.

He added, because the volcano is inflated, they can't lower the alert level for now.

"Every alert can be lowered depending on the activity of the volcano. Right now the volcano is still inflated. There is still magma beneath the volcano," he said.

Phivolcs strongly advised the public to be vigilant and desist from entering the danger zone. Ella Dionisio/DMS