Philippine authorities raised the alert level for Mayon Volcano to Level 3 on Friday following a moderately explosive eruption, urging residents within a six-kilometre danger zone to evacuate.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the eruption sent a thick column of ash approximately 3,000 metres above the volcano’s summit.
Moderate winds carried the ash plume towards the west-southwest, with ashfall expected in Daraga, Guinobatan and neighbouring communities in Albay province.
PHIVOLCS said the increased alert level reflected heightened volcanic activity, including stronger volcanic earthquakes and substantial emissions of steam and ash.
“This means that Mayon is in a new phase of magmatic eruption, with increased chances of lava flows … in the immediate days to weeks,” the agency warned.
Authorities cautioned residents about the dangers of lava flows, falling rocks and other volcanic hazards, stressing the importance of remaining outside the designated danger zone.
Mayon, one of the Philippines’ most active volcanoes, is located in Albay province in the Bicol region of southern Luzon.
The eruption has prompted heightened monitoring as authorities prepare for the possibility of further volcanic activity in the coming days and weeks.