Philippine Mayon Volcano’s Increased Activity Raises Chance of Eruption

The Philippine's Mayon Volcano near the south of Manila shows increased activity, raising the possibility of an eruption in the next few weeks or days.

Philippine Mayon Volcano's Activity Raises Chance of Eruption

The enchanting beauty of the Philippines' iconic Mayon Volcano conceals an ominous secret, as increased volcanic activity raises concerns of an imminent eruption. According to Bloomberg, the Philippines has raised the alert level on the scenic volcano south of Manila.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reports a significant uptick in volcanic activity in recent days.

The PHIVOLCS warning stresses an "increased tendency towards a hazardous eruption." On top of a looming eruption, there is also a chance of "explosive activity within weeks or even days," the institution disclosed.

The Philippine institution focused on natural occurrences, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, has raised the alert level for the volcano to Level 3. The warning level, which consists of five, now recommends local authorities to evacuate nearby residents. PHIVOLCS urges them to temporarily relocate people living within a six kilometers radius of the Permanent Danger Zone of Mayon, as per CNN Philippines.

The volcanic institution also disclosed a striking increase in rockfall straight from the summit lava dome of the volcano within the last 24 hours.

PHIVOLCS reiterates that the "repeated collapse of the growing summit dome of Mayon Volcano has generated an increasing number and volume of rockfall events." And as such, the Philippine institution raised the Alert Level from 2 to 3.

Besides the rockfall, the magma in the volcano is now flowing out, but there are no explosions yet.

Philippine Mayon Volcano

The Mayon Volcano is known for its scenic views with some often aptly calling it a "perfect cone" for its picturesque shape. But beneath its apparent beauty, it is one of the most active volcanoes in the country.

NBC News reports that the volcano in the south of the Philippine capital erupted last January 2018, spewing ash and lava. Roughly 56,000 residents nearby evacuated during that time. The ash of the violent eruption fell to the nearby towns and farmlands.

Notably, several towns with thousands of residents are encircling the active volcano, such as Legazpi, Tabaco, and Ligao. Other municipalities nearby are Daraga, Malilipot, Santo Domingo, Bacacay, and Guinobatan.

With the recent increase of activity in the Philippine volcano, nearby residents are worried of a repeat of the a similar tragic senario, which occured last 2018.