The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has lowered the status of Mayon Volcano in Albay, Bicol to Alert Level 1 from Alert Level 2.
In a bulletin released on March 5, Phivolcs said the alert status was lowered following observations of a steady decline in volcanic earthquake activity, ground deformation, and volcanic gas emission.
The state seismologist also noticed weak to moderate-degassing plumes coming from the volcano's summit crater.
Moreover, it said the crater glow has remained weak and that the lava on the Mi-isi, Bonga, and Basud Gullies has no movement.
"In view of the above, PHIVOLCS-DOST is now lowering the alert status of Mayon from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 1. This means that the volcano’s state of unrest has declined to low levels and that the likelihood of an eruption occurring within the immediate future has diminished," Phivolcs said.
BREAKING: Alert Level ng Bulkang Mayon ibinaba ng PHIVOLCS sa Alert Level 1 | RH05 @dzrh5 Val Gonzales#Balansyado#SamaSamaTayoPilipino
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) March 5, 2024
LIVE: https://t.co/wgA3mGXzWC pic.twitter.com/DU12G3Kniu
It noted that Alert Level 1 does not mean the "unrest has completely ceased" which was why entry to the Mayon Volcano's six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone and flying close to the volcano's summit are still prohibited.
"Furthermore, people living in valleys and active river channels are cautioned to remain vigilant against sediment-laden streamflows and lahars in the event of prolonged and heavy rainfall brought about by the advent of the rainy season," Phivolcs furthered.
