Phivolcs raises Mayon Volcano to Alert Level 3 due to lava dome growth

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised Mayon Volcano to Alert Level 3, indicating an increased tendency toward hazardous eruptions due to lava dome growth and pyroclastic density currents.

Alert Level 3 signifies a higher likelihood of lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, rockfall events, and a possible explosive eruption within days or weeks.

The unrest is driven by the repeated collapse of the unstable summit dome, which has been occurring since the alert status was raised from Level 1 to 2 on January 1.

Mayon Volcano released pyroclastic density currents down the Bonga Gully on Tuesday after newly extruded lava collapsed at the summit.

As of January 7, 16 border control points have been set up and 133 personnel deployed across Albay, with 629 more officers on standby.

Police have evacuated 2,146 residents from the affected towns so far, and entry to the volcano's permanent danger zone remains strictly prohibited.

Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered Albay personnel to increase visibility and conduct checkpoints in key entry points of danger zones.