THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has recorded at least 143 lava collapses and a tremor on Mayon Volcano in just 24 hours, or from 8 a.m. on Tuesday to 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
The lava came out as it collapsed along the side of the summit, sending an ash cloud drifting toward the southwest portion of the volcano, director Renato Solidum said.
Alert level 3 or a “relatively high level of unrest” remained over the volcano, and Solidum warned the public of a hazardous eruption within weeks or days.
Residents have been strongly advised to stay away from the six-kilometer permanent danger zone and the seven-kilometer extended danger zone because of rockfalls, landslides and sudden explosions that could trigger volcanic flows.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Bicol must brace for
occasional heavy rain and a threat of lahar from Mayon Volcano.
The agency said potentially dangerous mud flows or lahar could flow from the volcano.