ALBAY – Mayon Volcano experienced a minor eruption Wednesday, spewing ash reaching up to 500 meters, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
In a telephone interview, Phivolcs Science Research Specialist Paul Alanis said that the minor eruption was recorded at around 10:16 a.m.
At least 78 volcanic earthquakes were also recorded in the last 24 hours, Alanis said.
Volcanic earthquakes are normal with the Mayon Volcano even when there is no alert level raised but only five minor quakes are recorded on the average, Alanis said.
"Ibig sabihin, talagang active ang bulkan ngayon [This means that the volcano is really active]," Alanis said.
Alert level 3 remains over Albay province, but Phivolcs may raise it to alert level 5 depending on volcanic activities like increased siesmic activity, increased emissions of sulfur dioxide, swelling of the volcano and other physical manifestations indicating a bigger eruption, Alanis said.
He added that if Mayon continues to emit lava and pyroclastic material, it was possible within the next few weeks that the volcano may have a hazardous eruption similar to the explosions in 1993, 2001, and 2006.
If a bigger eruption will occur, pyroclastic material may most likely flow down the volcano’s southeast side headed towards the general direction of Legazpi City.
Meanwhile, Phivolcs has recommended the evacuation of residents of municipalities and towns near the volcano.
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