Philippines' Most Active Volcano on the Verge of Eruption, Alert Level 2 Raised Amid Volcanic Unrest

Officials have raised the status to Alert Level 2 amid the volcanic unrest as Mayon, the most active volcano in the Philippines, is on the verge of erupting. On June 4, rumbling began.

Alert Level 2

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the Mayon volcano is now at level 2.

At this level, there is instability that might potentially result in a volcanic or submarine explosion.

The most active volcano in the Philippines is Mayon, which rises 8,077 feet in the province of Albay in Bicol.

Mayon Volcano

Several eruptions have occurred at the volcano since 1616, according to the Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program.

Its worst eruption, in which 1,200 people perished and the village of Cagsawa was covered with ash, took place in 1814.

Nearly 80 people died as a result of one in the neighborhood in 1993.

Thousands of people were evicted from their houses as a result of further eruptions spread from 2000 to 2018.

In 2006, it caused floods and mudslides that resulted in over a thousand fatalities.

Since April, the volcano has seen a rise in activity. When more rocks were falling from the peak, scientists first observed it.

According to an update from the institution, this then climbed from an average of five rockfall incidents per day to 49 as of June 4.

Additionally, since February, the lava dome's capacity has grown by 18.2 million gallons.

The Mayon Volcano Network has already counted 26 earthquakes and 318 rockfall incidents since April.

Volcanic Unrest June 2023

Mayon Volcano's Alert Level is being raised by DOST-Phivolcs from Alert Level 1 (abnormal) to Alert Level 2 for increasing unrest.

Accordingly, there is already disturbance brought on by shallow magmatic processes that may eventually cause phreatic eruptions or even come before dangerous magmatic eruptions, according to Manila Standard.

Seismologists are warning the neighborhood's residents to keep a watchful eye on the volcano and to be cautious following heightened activity.

Within a four-mile radius of the volcano, which is also an increasingly popular tourist spot, it will not be safe to access.

By staying away from this area of the volcano, hazards from any unexpected bursts of activity, such as rockfall, explosions, and landslides will be reduced.

Also Read: 1985 Nevado Del Ruiz Volcanic Eruption Sets Bar for Survivors, Repeat Disaster Skeptics

To reduce hazards from unexpected explosions, rockfall, and landslides, the public is strongly recommended to exercise caution and refrain from approaching the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), according to an update from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

People should use a dust mask or cover their mouth and nose with a moist, clean towel in case any ash fall occurrences might harm the towns that are downwind of Mayon's crater.

Authorities in charge of civil aviation must also warn pilots to steer clear of flying near the volcano's top since ash from any abrupt eruptions can be dangerous to planes.

The volcano will be closely monitored by scientists who will keep an eye out for any new changes.

The volcano may not erupt even though this increased activity has raised the warning level, some experts say.

Eruptions can be difficult to forecast in general, but raising the warning levels makes sure that everyone is ready in case one does happen, Newsweek reported.