Scientists warn against eminent eruption of Mayon Volcano
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology cautions hundreds of families around Mount Mayon in the central Albay province urging them to evacuate as indicators reveal an upcoming eruption.
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A general view of the active Mayon stratovolcano located in Legaspi City, Albay province, October 21 2022 (AFP)
Philippine scientists have warned residents in the archipelago of an eminent volcanic eruption urging them to evacuate from nearby areas.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology cautioned hundreds of families around Mount Mayon in the central Albay province.
Mayon is a stratovolcano meaning it has a cone-like shape and is located around 330 kilometers (205 miles) southeast of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. The volcano is considered one of the most unstable among the country's 24 active volcanoes.
According to the seismology agency, on Thursday, three rapid-moving avalanches of volcanic ash, rocks, and gases known as pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) were observed on the slopes of Mayon. As a result, the agency has raised the alert level from two to three on a scale of zero to five, indicating an increased risk of lava flows, hazardous PDCs, and potential explosive activity within a matter of weeks or even days.
"All necessary preparations are being done," stated Eugene Escobar, the Albay provincial disaster management agency's officer-in-charge.
Evacuations of residents from Anoling village, situated on the slopes of the volcano, will be carried out, according to Rommel Negrete, an official from the agency.
In the meantime, Taal volcano, located approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Manila, has been emitting sulfur dioxide this week, resulting in smog that has covered the surrounding areas. The seismology agency reported steam-rich plumes rising up to two kilometers (1.2 miles) into the sky on Thursday. The alert level for Taal remains at one.
The Philippines frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic activities due to its location on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," where tectonic plates converge deep beneath the Earth's surface.
In the past, Mayon has caused the displacement of tens of thousands of people due to the release of large amounts of ash, rocks, and lava.
The most significant eruption in recent decades occurred in 1991 when Mount Pinatubo, situated about 100 kilometers (62 miles) northwest of Manila, erupted, resulting in the loss of over 800 lives. The eruption produced an ash cloud that traveled thousands of kilometers within days and caused damage to nearly two dozen aircraft.
