The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has reported heightened activity at two of the country’s most active volcanoes—Mayon in Albay and Kanlaon in Negros Island—while maintaining Alert Level 2 (Increased Unrest) over both sites.
At Mayon Volcano, Phivolcs recorded 85 rockfall events in the past 24 hours, including an incandescent rockfall from the summit lava dome late on January 5.
Monitoring also showed a faint crater glow, sulfur dioxide emissions of 702 tonnes per day, and ground deformation indicating the edifice remains inflated.
Entry into the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited, with authorities warning of sudden rockfalls, landslides, and steam-driven eruptions.
Meanwhile, Kanlaon Volcano produced a weak ash emission early on January 6, with plumes rising up to 350 meters before drifting southwest.
The event ceased mid-morning, but monitoring recorded one volcanic earthquake and sulfur dioxide emissions of 1,484 tonnes per day.
Ground deformation data likewise showed inflation, suggesting ongoing magmatic or hydrothermal activity.
Phivolcs reminded the public to avoid the 4-kilometer PDZ and cautioned aircraft against flying near the volcano.
Authorities urged residents and tourists to remain vigilant and follow official advisories, warning of possible hazards including phreatic eruptions, ashfall, rockfalls, and lahar flows.
Both volcanoes remain under close observation. (Merlina Hernando-Malipot)
