Mayon lava flow advances 3 kilometers from crater

MANILA, Philippines — Lava flow in Mayon Volcano's Miisi Gully has advanced to approximately three kilometers from the summit crater, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Thursday.

Pyroclastic surges were also observed within the same reaches of the lava flow, which is within the permanent danger zone.

Alert Level 3 is still raised over the volcano due to the high level of unrest as magma is at the crater. The agency has warned that a hazardous eruption is possible within weeks or days.

17 January 2018 Mayon Volcano aerial photos pic.twitter.com/0bUUEzgbGL

— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) January 18, 2018

"The public is strongly advised to be vigilant and desist from entering the six kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone and the seven-km Extended Danger Zone on the southern flanks due to the danger of rockfalls, landslides and sudden explosions or dome collapse that may generate hazardous volcanic flows," Phivolcs said in its 8 a.m. advisory.

About 48 rockfall events, two pyroclastic density currents and one volcanic earthquake were recorded in the past 24 hours. Quiet lava flow from the new summit lava dome and lava collapse were also observed.

The collapsing lava front and advancing lava flow on Miisi had caused rockfall events, Phivolcs said. Ash fall events, meanwhile, are likely to occur on the southwest side of the volcano based on the seasonal wind pattern.

"Increased vigilance against pyroclastic density currents, lahars and sediment-laden streamflows along channels draining the edifice is also advised," Phivolcs said.

Pilots are also advised to avoid flying close to the volcano's summit as ash from the sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft.

On Tuesday, the provincial government of Albay declared a state of calamity due to a possible hazardous eruption of the volcano. — Patricia Lourdes Viray